The Taliban regime has rejected US President Donald Trump’s demand to retake the strategic Bagram Air Base, which lies 60 kilometres north of Kabul.
In a statement, deputy spokesman of the Taliban administration, Hamdullah Fitrat, said that Afghanistan would "not even give an inch" to the United States.
"In accordance with Islamic principles and grounded in its balanced, economy-oriented foreign policy, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan seeks constructive relations with all states on the basis of mutual and shared interests. It has been consistently communicated to the United States in all bilateral negotiations that, for the Islamic Emirate, Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity are of the utmost importance. It should be recalled that, under the Doha Agreement, the United States pledged that 'it will not use or threaten force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Afghanistan, nor interfere in its internal affairs," he said.
"Therefore, it is necessary that they remain faithful to their commitments. Accordingly, it is once again underscored that, rather than repeating past failed approaches, a policy of realism and rationality should be adopted,” he added.
Firat’s statement comes in response to Trump’s repeated statements saying that his administration is negotiating a deal with Taliban officials to retake the air base.
On Sunday, Trump again warned Afghanistan of ‘bad things’ if the Taliban didn’t agree to his demand and give the military base back.
Strategic importance
Trump hinted that Bagram Air Base is one of the world's most powerful military bases, particularly in terms of runway strength and length.
According to experts, base is located at the crossroads of Iran, Pakistan, China's Xinjiang province and Central Asia.
US to use base for surveillance and intelligence
During the 20-year military operation in Afghanistan, Bagram air base became the launchpad for the US military to launch operations against Al Qaeda, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the regional faction of the Islamic State, called the ISIS-K.
A UN report in 2025 warned that ISIS-K remains ‘one of the most dangerous branches’ active in Afghanistan, Iran and Russia.
Al Qaeda has added 9 training camps in Afghanistan, while the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has launched over 600 attacks from Afghan soil in the second half of 2024, according to a report by the UN Security Council.
Trump argues that regaining control over the Bagram Air Base is essential to restoring the American foothold.
The US is also wary of China’s growing influence in the world, especially in Afghanistan.
Analysts say that the US presence at Bagram Air Base could help America run a surveillance and intelligence network and keep an eye on the military activities of Russia, Iran and China.
