Taliban Rejects U.S. Bid to Reclaim Bagram Air Base

The Taliban government has declined U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to reestablish control over Bagram Air Base, a facility the U.S. vacated in 2021. President Trump recently stated that discussions are underway with Afghan authorities regarding the base's return. He warned of unspecified consequences if the base is not returned, stating, "We want it back, and we want it back right away. If they don't do it, you're going to find out what I'm going to do."

In response, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized Afghanistan's commitment to its independence and territorial integrity. He referenced the Doha Agreement, highlighting that the U.S. had pledged not to use or threaten force against Afghanistan's sovereignty. Mujahid urged the U.S. to adopt a policy of "realism and rationality."

Fasihuddin Fitrat, Chief of Staff at the Afghan Defense Ministry, reinforced this stance, stating, "Ceding even an inch of our soil to anyone is out of the question and impossible."

Bagram Air Base, located north of Kabul, was a central hub for U.S. military operations during the two-decade conflict in Afghanistan. The U.S. withdrawal in 2021 led to the Taliban's takeover of the facility. President Trump has criticized the withdrawal, attributing it to "gross incompetence" by his predecessor.

The Taliban's rejection underscores the complexities of U.S.-Afghan relations post-withdrawal, as both nations navigate diplomatic engagements and regional security concerns.