Saturday, March 29, 2025
Kabul, Sept 21, 2025 – Afghanistan’s Taliban government has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about taking control of the Bagram Airbase, warning Washington that not even “one meter” of Afghan territory will be ceded.
In a strong statement to TOLO News, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi condemned Trump’s comments, calling them an insult to Afghanistan’s sovereignty. “Forget Bagram Airbase – we will not hand over even a single meter of Afghanistan’s soil to America,” he declared.
Earlier, Taliban’s chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had dismissed Trump’s threats, urging the U.S. to adopt a realistic and rational policy. Writing on social media platform X, Mujahid said Afghanistan’s foreign policy is centered on protecting the economic interests of its people. He reiterated that during bilateral talks, the Taliban has repeatedly emphasized that Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.
Mujahid also invoked the Doha Agreement signed during Trump’s first term, reminding Washington that under the pact the U.S. had pledged not to threaten Afghanistan’s sovereignty, interfere in its internal affairs, or use force against it. He urged Trump to respect those commitments.
Trump, however, has continued to bring up the issue since returning to office for a second term. Recently, while on a visit to the United Kingdom, he stated that his administration was making efforts to reclaim Bagram Airbase and warned the Taliban of “serious consequences” if they refused.
The base, strategically located near Afghanistan’s border with China, was originally built and operated by the United States before being abandoned in 2021 during the chaotic U.S. military withdrawal. Along with the base, large stockpiles of weapons and equipment were left behind, which then fell into Taliban hands. Last year, on the third anniversary of the U.S. exit, the Taliban showcased the captured arsenal, drawing international attention.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration for leaving Bagram behind, arguing it was a strategic mistake that weakened America’s position in the region. More recently, he has claimed that Chinese presence in the area has increased, using that to justify his push to regain the airbase.
Despite Trump’s threats, the Taliban remains defiant, stressing that Afghanistan’s sovereignty is absolute and not up for negotiation.
