Taliban Official Dismisses Trump’s Ambition to Reclaim Bagram Airbase: What It Means for U.S.-Afghan Relations

A Taliban official has firmly dismissed the idea that the U.S. could regain control of a significant airbase in Afghanistan. This comes after former President Donald Trump expressed a desire to reclaim Bagram Airbase, a pivotal site for NATO forces during two decades of U.S. involvement in the country.

Zakir Jalal, part of the Taliban’s foreign ministry, noted that discussions held prior to the Taliban’s return to power ruled out any possibility of a U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. Bagram was handed over to Afghan forces just before the Taliban resumed control.

At a press conference in the UK, Trump remarked that the U.S. “gave it to them for nothing.” The total withdrawal of U.S. troops was part of a 2020 agreement during Trump’s tenure, completed under President Biden in 2021. Interestingly, Trump mentioned earlier this year that he intended to keep Bagram not just for Afghanistan’s sake, but largely due to Chinese interests in the region.

He emphasized its strategic importance, noting Bagram’s proximity to where China reportedly develops nuclear weapons. However, a BBC investigation clarified that a recognized nuclear testing site is quite far from Bagram, approximately 2,000 km away in northwestern China.

Trump has alleged that China established a presence at Bagram after the U.S. left. Yet, satellite imagery analyzed by the BBC from late 2020 to 2025 reveals minimal activity at the base since the Taliban took over, with no evidence backing Trump’s claims about China’s presence. The Chinese foreign ministry recently stated they respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty and that the country’s future should be determined by its own people.

Jalal echoed this sentiment on social media, stating that Afghan history reflects strong resistance to foreign military presence. Although the U.S. and Taliban have had recent discussions, the focus of their latest meeting was on American citizens still in Afghanistan.

This ongoing dialogue showcases the complexities of U.S.-Taliban relations and underscores the challenges both sides face in navigating this evolving political landscape. Alongside military concerns, issues of sovereignty and local agency remain at the forefront of discussions, illustrating the intricate dynamics of international relations in the region.



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