The Taliban government has firmly rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump's recent call to retake the strategically significant Bagram Air Base. This development comes four years after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan left the vast military installation under Taliban control. Trump's suggestion to reestablish a U.S. presence at Bagram was made on Saturday, where he claimed, "we're talking now to Afghanistan about the matter," although he did not elaborate on the nature of these discussions.
During a press conference, Trump was asked whether he would consider deploying U.S. troops to reclaim the base. He avoided giving a direct answer but emphasized, "We want it back, and we want it back right away." He further warned that if Afghanistan does not comply, "you're going to find out what I'm going to do." Following this, Trump took to social media, threatening that if Afghanistan fails to return Bagram Air Base to the U.S., "BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!"
In response to Trump's statements, Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesman for the Taliban, urged the United States to adopt a policy rooted in realism and rationality. Mujahid stated that Afghanistan maintains an economy-oriented foreign policy focused on building constructive relations based on mutual interests. He reiterated that Afghanistan's independence and territorial integrity are of paramount importance and highlighted that the Doha Agreement stipulates the U.S. should refrain from any threats to Afghanistan's territorial integrity or political independence.
On the same day, Fasihuddin Fitrat, the chief of staff at the Taliban's Defense Ministry, stated unequivocally, "Ceding even an inch of our soil to anyone is out of the question and impossible." This declaration underscores the Taliban's commitment to maintaining control over Afghan territory.
Former President Trump has been vocal in his criticism of President Joe Biden regarding the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, labeling it as a result of "gross incompetence." During a recent visit to the United Kingdom, Trump hinted that, given the Taliban's ongoing economic challenges and struggles for international legitimacy since their return to power in 2021, they might be open to negotiations regarding a U.S. military presence. He commented, "We're trying to get it back because they need things from us."
Despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations, there have been ongoing communications between the U.S. and the Taliban. This includes discussions around hostages, notably the release of an American tourist who was abducted over two years ago. The Taliban also announced they reached an agreement with U.S. officials regarding a prisoner exchange aimed at normalizing relations between the two entities, although details of this agreement remain undisclosed.
Photographs from recent talks surfaced, showcasing the Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, alongside Trump’s special envoy for hostage response, Adam Boehler, indicating that dialogue, albeit limited, continues between the U.S. and the Taliban.
