Afghanistan has firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s call for the United States to return its military presence to the Bagram airbase. A foreign ministry official emphasized on social media that while Kabul is open to engagement with Washington, it will not permit the US to re-establish any military foothold on Afghan soil.
Trump reiterated his administration’s push to “get back” control of the strategically important base, located just north of Kabul. He criticized the previous handover to the Taliban, saying it was given away “for nothing,” and highlighted Bagram’s proximity to China’s nuclear missile sites as a key reason for reclaiming it.
Taliban officials dismissed these demands, with spokesperson Zakir Jalal stating that any future engagement between Afghanistan and the US should occur without a US military presence. He stressed that Kabul seeks political and economic relations with Washington based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Afghanistan Rejects US Bid
Bagram had served as the hub of US military operations during the two-decade occupation of Afghanistan and housed a notorious prison where thousands were detained without trial, many suffering abuse and torture. The Taliban regained control of the base after the US withdrawal and the collapse of the Afghan government in 2021.
Trump’s recent comments come alongside revelations that his administration has engaged in talks with Taliban representatives, including meetings focused on detained American citizens. Despite these conversations, the US does not officially recognize the Taliban government, which returned to power following decades of conflict.
The US has considered the strategic and economic advantages of maintaining a presence at Bagram, including access to Afghanistan’s mineral resources, but Kabul remains resolute in preventing any US military return. This stance underscores the complex diplomatic and security dynamics in the region.
