In brief
In a recent exchange following comments made by former President Donald Trump, Taliban official Zakir Jalal has clarified that the notion of the US reclaiming Bagram Airbase, a pivotal site during the Afghanistan conflict, is out of the question. This statement comes after Trump suggested that such an action may be feasible, citing the US withdrawal agreement. The Taliban explicitly rejects any military presence from the US as per previous negotiations.
A Taliban official has rejected the idea that the US could retake a key airbase in Afghanistan after President Donald Trump told reporters he wanted it back.
Zakir Jalal, who works in the Taliban's foreign ministry, said the notion of the US maintaining any military presence in Afghanistan was completely dismissed during talks prior to the Taliban regaining power.
This reaction follows Trump’s hint that reclaiming Bagram Airbase—long the epicenter of NATO forces in Afghanistan—might be on the table, particularly as he claimed, they need things from us.
The base was handed over to the Afghan military right before the Taliban took control of the country.
Trump also stated in a recent press conference that the US gave it to them for nothing.
The complete withdrawal of US troops was executed under a deal signed during Trump's first administration in 2020, culminating under Joe Biden in 2021.
In March, Trump expressed that he intended to keep Bagram not solely because of Afghanistan but also due to its strategic proximity to China.
Trump added on Thursday that one reason to regain the base was its location, being an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.
However, reports have shown little evidence supporting Trump's claims regarding China’s presence at Bagram since the Taliban resumed control, with investigations revealing minimal activity at the base.
On Friday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson affirmed that China respects Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, Jalal reiterated via social media that Afghanistan has historically rejected any foreign military presence, insisting this was dismissed during the Doha negotiations, yet stating openness to other forms of engagement.
Recent talks between the US and Taliban have continued, focusing primarily on American citizens still in Afghanistan.
