Image Credentials: Image Title: Afghan Taliban Reject Trump’s Bid to Retake Bagram Air Base Source: (Sora.ChatGpt) Date: September 2025. Attribution: Created using AI-generated imagery (Sora.ChatGpt), this does not depict a real-world scene.
By Isabella Harper | Staff Writer with Agencies
JALALABAD, Afghanistan (AP) — In a statement issued on Sunday, the Taliban government in Afghanistan flatly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to retake the Bagram Air Base, a crucial military facility that fell under Taliban control following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Trump’s bid to regain control of Bagram Air Base, which had been a vital hub for U.S. forces during their presence in Afghanistan, is shrouded in uncertainty. It remains unclear whether the U.S. has initiated formal discussions with Afghan officials regarding a potential return to the country. However, Trump suggested that, despite the ongoing economic crisis, international isolation, and internal rivalries that the Taliban government faces, they might be open to allowing the U.S. military back on Afghan soil.
The chief spokesperson for the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, swiftly dismissed Trump’s assertions, urging the U.S. to adopt a more pragmatic approach in its foreign policy. Mujahid emphasized that Afghanistan’s foreign policy was centered on economic interests and the pursuit of constructive relationships with other nations based on mutual benefits. He also reiterated the Taliban’s firm stance on Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity are of the utmost importance,” Mujahid stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Under the Doha Agreement, the U.S. promised it would not use or threaten force against Afghanistan’s territorial integrity or interfere in our internal affairs. The U.S. must uphold its commitments.”
Despite Trump’s repeated criticisms of the Biden administration for what he termed “gross incompetence” in the handling of the U.S. withdrawal, Mujahid did not engage with questions about any prior talks or why Trump believed the U.S. might be able to regain control of the base.
In a public show of strength, the Taliban marked the third anniversary of their return to power in August 2024 by celebrating the capture of Bagram. The event included a military display showcasing abandoned U.S. military hardware, a visual reminder of the U.S.’s hasty exit from Afghanistan that continues to affect political discourse in the U.S.
The Bagram Air Base, located just north of Kabul, served as a strategic outpost for U.S. and allied forces during nearly two decades of conflict in Afghanistan. The fall to the Taliban signified a powerful symbol of the country’s rapid change since the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021, leaving the Taliban in full control of the country.
The rejection of Trump’s request to retake Bagram is indicative of the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and the Taliban, despite the complex relationship between the two entities. While the U.S. has long sought to stabilize Afghanistan after the war, the Taliban’s rise to power has been met with considerable international criticism, particularly in light of its record on human rights, governance, and security.
As Afghanistan continues to grapple with severe economic challenges and an uncertain future, the Taliban’s stance on maintaining control over key facilities like Bagram highlights their determination to assert national sovereignty. The future of U.S.-Taliban relations remains uncertain, with both sides likely to navigate a delicate path between diplomacy, security interests, and international expectations.
The development also underscores the broader geopolitical landscape, with the U.S. and NATO allies monitoring the situation as they continue to address their involvement in the region. While the situation on the ground remains fluid, the Taliban’s firm rejection of Trump’s call suggests that any potential U.S. military presence in Afghanistan will face significant hurdles in the years to come.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.