The Taliban on Sunday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to retake Bagram Air Base, four years after the chaotic American withdrawal left Afghanistan’s largest military facility under Taliban control.
It is unclear what conversations the U.S. has had with Afghan officials about returning to the country. But Trump hinted that the Taliban, who have struggled with an economic crisis, international legitimacy, internal rifts and rival militant groups since their return to power in 2021, could be open to allowing the U.S. military back.
The chief Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, rejected Trump’s assertions and urged the U.S. to adopt a policy of "realism and rationality."
Afghanistan had an economy-oriented foreign policy and sought constructive relations with all states on the basis of mutual and shared interests, Mujahid posted on X.
It had been consistently communicated to the U.S. in all bilateral negotiations that Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity were of the utmost importance, he said.
