KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban on Monday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for the United States to regain control of Bagram Airfield, a former American military base in Afghanistan.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid issued a statement reaffirming the group’s stance that Afghanistan’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. He said the airfield and other national facilities remain under the exclusive authority of the Afghan government.
Trump recently suggested that the United States should seek renewed access to Bagram, citing the base’s strategic location and historical importance to U.S. military operations.
He claimed discussions were taking place with Afghan officials. The Taliban dismissed the claim, stating that no talks regarding Bagram would occur under its administration.
Located approximately 50 kilometers north of Kabul, Bagram Airfield served as a central hub for U.S. military activity during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. It supported logistics, surveillance, and counter-insurgency missions until U.S. forces handed the facility over to Afghan forces in July 2021.
The full American withdrawal concluded weeks later under an agreement signed during Trump’s presidency and implemented during President Joe Biden’s administration.
The Biden administration has not responded to Trump’s proposal. Officials have previously defended the withdrawal, stating it was necessary to conclude America’s longest war and reallocate military resources.
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban has faced economic, humanitarian, and diplomatic challenges. The group maintains full control of former coalition bases, including Bagram, and has stated that it will not allow any foreign military presence in Afghanistan.
