Taliban Firmly Rejects Trump’s Latest Bid to Reclaim Bagram Air Base

The Taliban government has swiftly rejected former President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to reestablish a U.S. presence at Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base. The rejection came on Sunday, following Trump’s renewed call for the U.S. to retake the sprawling military facility, which has been under Taliban control since America’s chaotic withdrawal four years ago.

Trump had indicated on Saturday that he was in discussions with Afghanistan regarding Bagram, 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.” He had previously hinted during a state visit to the United Kingdom last week that the Taliban, facing economic hardship and seeking international legitimacy, might be open to the idea.

However, chief Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid unequivocally dismissed Trump’s assertions on Sunday, urging the U.S. to adopt a policy grounded in “realism and rationality.” Mujahid emphasized Afghanistan’s commitment to an economy-oriented foreign policy and constructive relations based on mutual interests. He reiterated that Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity are paramount, citing the Doha Agreement, under which the U.S. pledged not to use or threaten force against Afghanistan’s territorial integrity or interfere in its internal affairs.

While formal diplomatic ties between the U.S. and the Taliban remain absent, the two sides have engaged in discussions, including on hostage situations. An American tourist abducted over two years ago was released by the Taliban in March, and an agreement on a prisoner exchange was reportedly reached, though details remain scarce from the U.S. side. Photographs from recent talks showed Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi with Trump’s special envoy for hostage response, Adam Boehler.

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