The Taliban government issued a strong rejection on Sunday, September 21, 2025, to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to reclaim the Bagram Air Base. This declaration comes four years after the United States’ tumultuous withdrawal left the extensive military installation under Taliban control.
The nature of any discussions between the U.S. and Afghan officials regarding an American return remains ambiguous. However, Trump had previously suggested that the Taliban, despite facing ongoing challenges like an economic downturn, struggles for international recognition, internal disagreements, and threats from competing militant groups since regaining power in 2021, might be amenable to allowing the U.S. military to re-establish its presence.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson for the Taliban, firmly countered Trump’s statements, advocating for the U.S. to embrace a policy founded on “realism and rationality.” Mujahid asserted on X (formerly Twitter) that Afghanistan pursues a foreign policy centered on economic development and aims for constructive relationships with all nations, built on principles of mutual and shared interests.
He further clarified that throughout all bilateral negotiations, Afghanistan has consistently underscored the paramount importance of its independence and territorial integrity.
Mujahid specifically reminded the international community that “under the Doha Agreement, the United States pledged that ‘it will not use or threaten force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Afghanistan, nor interfere in its internal affairs.'” He concluded by stating that the U.S. is obligated to uphold these commitments.
The spokesperson did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press concerning any specific discussions with the Trump administration regarding Bagram and why Trump believed the U.S. could reoccupy it.
It’s worth noting that in August of the previous year, the Taliban marked the third anniversary of their control over Bagram with a significant military parade showcasing abandoned U.S. equipment, an event that reportedly drew attention from the White House. Trump himself has frequently condemned his successor, President Joe Biden, for what he termed “gross incompetence” during the U.S. troop withdrawal, which concluded America’s longest war.