Sat Sep 20 23:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewritten news article as if reported by The Hindu:

**Summary:**

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is demanding that Afghanistan return control of Bagram Air Base to the United States. He made this demand via a Truth Social post, threatening unspecified consequences if Afghanistan refuses. This follows reports that the U.S. sought to regain control of the base after the 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks. Afghan officials have voiced opposition to any renewed U.S. military presence in the country, insisting on engagement without a U.S. military footprint.

**News Article:**

**Trump Threatens Afghanistan Over Bagram Air Base Return**

*WASHINGTON, September 21, 2025, 05:00 am IST* — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Afghanistan, demanding the return of Bagram Air Base to U.S. control and warning of unspecified “BAD THINGS” if the demand is not met. The threat was delivered via a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday.

Mr. Trump’s post follows reports from earlier in the week that his administration had initiated discussions with Afghanistan regarding the potential return of the base, which served as a key strategic location for U.S. forces during the two-decade-long conflict following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021 resulted in the Taliban taking control of the base. Now, Afghan officials have reacted with staunch opposition to the idea of a renewed U.S. military presence in the region.

“Afghanistan and the United States need to engage with one another… without the United States maintaining any military presence in any part of Afghanistan,” asserted Zakir Jalal, a Foreign Ministry official, in a statement posted on X on Thursday.

The demand from Mr. Trump raises significant questions about the future of U.S.-Afghanistan relations. His pronouncements, made from outside of active presidential office, add a volatile element to an already delicate geopolitical situation and potentially threaten to undermine any progress made towards diplomatic engagement. The Hindu will continue to report on developments as they unfold.

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