A Taliban official has rejected the idea that the U.S. could retake a key airbase in Afghanistan after President Donald Trump told reporters he wanted it back.
Zakir Jalal, who works in the Taliban's foreign ministry, said the idea of the U.S. maintaining any military presence in Afghanistan was 'completely' rejected during talks between the two sides before the Taliban returned to power.
This came after the U.S. president hinted at the possibility of retaking Bagram airbase - the epicenter of NATO forces in Afghanistan for two decades - because 'they need things from us'.
The base was handed to the Afghan military shortly before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan.
Trump stated at a press conference in the UK that the U.S. 'gave it to them for nothing'. The complete withdrawal of U.S. troops was part of a deal signed during Trump's first administration in 2020, completed under Joe Biden in 2021.
In earlier remarks, Trump had mentioned plans to keep Bagram airbase operational, primarily for strategic reasons related to China. He reiterated the base's importance, citing its proximity to Chinese nuclear weapons sites, though it's uncertain what specific locations he was referencing.
Both the Taliban and independent investigations have shown little evidence of recent activity at the base or any military presence from China. The Chinese foreign ministry emphasized respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and that its future should be decided by its people.
Jalal asserted on social media that throughout history, Afghans have not accepted foreign military presence, reiterating that such a possibility was completely dismissed during the Doha talks and agreements, although he indicated openness to other forms of engagement.
The U.S. and Taliban have resumed talks recently, with focus shifting to American citizens held in Afghanistan, according to reports.
