The Taliban has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand to hand over the Bagram airbase, warning against any threats and calling for adherence to previous agreements.
In a statement issued Sunday, the Taliban emphasized that “Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity are of the utmost importance,” urging the U.S. to avoid aggressive rhetoric and instead pursue a “policy of realism and rationality.”
Trump, speaking at the White House on Saturday, renewed calls for the return of the strategic airbase, saying, “We’re talking now to Afghanistan and we want it back — and we want it back soon, right away. And if they don’t do it, you’re going to find out what I’m gonna do.”
Bagram, located 50km (31 miles) north of Kabul, was the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan during the 20-year war following the 9/11 attacks. It served as a major operational hub until the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, after which the Taliban swiftly retook control of the facility.
During its years under U.S. control, Bagram became notorious for detentions without trial and reports of abuse under the so-called “war on terror.”
Trump’s recent push to regain the base comes amid claims that its location near China’s western border — and proximity to sensitive nuclear facilities — makes it strategically vital for U.S. interests.
The Taliban, however, reiterated that any attempt to seize Afghan territory would violate past agreements and risk further destabilizing the region.
Taliban Rejects Trump’s Threats Over Bagram Airbase
Bagram, located 50km (31 miles) north of Kabul, was the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan during the 20-year war following the 9/11 attacks. It served as a major operational hub until the U.S. withdrawal in 2021, after which the Taliban swiftly retook control of the facility.
Taliban rejects U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand to hand back Bagram airbase, warning against threats and insisting on Afghan sovereignty.
