In brief
Zakir Jalal, a Taliban representative, has firmly rejected any possibility of the United States retaking the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, following remarks by former President Trump expressing desire to regain control over it. During talks prior to the Taliban's return to power, the prospect of a U.S. military presence was conclusively dismissed. Trump suggests the airbase's strategic location near China warrants its reinstatement, but the Taliban stands against it, reaffirming Afghan sovereignty.
A Taliban official has rejected the idea that the US 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, stated that the idea of maintaining a US military presence in Afghanistan was completely rejected during talks before the Taliban returned to power.
This response comes after Trump hinted at the possibility of retaking Bagram airbase, which was the epicenter of NATO forces in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, suggesting that they need things from us.
The base was handed to the Afghan military shortly before the Taliban regained control.
Trump expressed at a recent press conference in the UK that the US gave it to them for nothing. This complete withdrawal of US troops was part of a deal signed during Trump's initial term in 2020 and completed under President Biden in 2021.
In March, Trump indicated he had intended to keep Bagram airbase as a strategic asset, especially concerning China. During his latest comments, he noted its proximity to Chinese nuclear weapon sites.
However, it's unclear what specific locations he was referring to, as investigations show no substantial military activity at Bagram since the Taliban's takeover, nor any evidence of Chinese presence.
The Taliban's Zakir Jalal reiterated on social media that historically, Afghans have never accepted foreign military presence, a stance that was echoed during the Doha negotiations. He indicated that while military presence is off the table, channels for engagement remain open.
The US and Taliban have resumed discussions, but a recent meeting focused on American nationals currently in Afghanistan, according to reports.
