Move FM Global News

JALALABAD, Afghanistan: The Taliban government has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed call to regain control of Bagram Air Base, underscoring the continuing tensions over America’s role in Afghanistan four years after the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces.

Speaking on September 20, Trump revived the idea of reestablishing an American presence at the sprawling former U.S. base north of Kabul, which served as the hub of American military operations throughout the two-decade war.

He claimed that Washington was already “talking now to Afghanistan” about the possibility, though he offered no evidence or details about such discussions. When pressed by reporters on whether he might deploy troops to forcibly retake the base, Trump declined to elaborate, saying only: “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.”

The following day, Taliban officials dismissed Trump’s remarks. Zabihullah Mujahid, the group’s chief spokesman, urged Washington to adopt a “policy of realism and rationality,” emphasizing that Afghanistan’s sovereignty was non-negotiable.

In a post on X, Mujahid said Kabul sought constructive relations with all countries, guided by shared interests and economic cooperation, but would not compromise on independence and territorial integrity.

He reminded Washington of the 2020 Doha Agreement, in which the United States pledged not to use force against Afghanistan or interfere in its internal affairs. “The United States must remain faithful to its commitments,” Mujahid wrote. He declined to address why Trump believed Bagram could be retaken or whether talks had in fact occurred.

Other Taliban officials were equally blunt. Fasihuddin Fitrat, chief of staff at the Defense Ministry, told Afghan media that “ceding even an inch of our soil to anyone is out of the question and impossible.”

The issue is particularly sensitive for the Taliban. Just last year, the group marked the third anniversary of its return to power with a show of force at Bagram, parading captured American hardware as a symbol of victory. Trump, who has repeatedly blamed President Joe Biden for what he calls a “grossly incompetent” withdrawal, has argued that the Taliban may ultimately allow U.S. access to the base due to their economic and diplomatic isolation.

Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, the Taliban and Washington have quietly engaged in talks on hostages and prisoner exchanges.

Earlier this year, an American tourist held captive for more than two years was freed, and Taliban officials later announced a detainee swap following meetings with Trump’s special envoy for hostage response. Neither side disclosed details of the exchange.