Afghan Taliban Vows to Prepare for Renewed Conflict Over Bagram Air Base

The Afghan Taliban has issued a firm rejection of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent demands to return Bagram Air Base to American control, escalating tensions between Kabul and Washington. The standoff follows Trump’s public statements during a press conference in the United Kingdom, where he described the U.S. withdrawal from Bagram as a major strategic error and insisted that the United States is seeking to regain the base, citing its proximity to China’s nuclear facilities as a key reason. Trump further warned on social media that Afghanistan would face consequences if the base was not returned to U.S. hands, stating, “If Afghanistan doesn't give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!” according to multiple U.S. and international media outlets.

Taliban Response and Afghan Sovereignty

In response, Taliban officials have categorically rejected any possibility of foreign military presence at Bagram or elsewhere in Afghanistan. Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesman for the Taliban government, told Al Arabiya English that Afghans are “extremely sensitive about occupation” and that Bagram Air Base “will never be bargained away.” Mujahid emphasized that Afghanistan’s sovereignty is non-negotiable and warned that no Afghan government would accept even a single foreign soldier on its soil. The Taliban’s foreign ministry reiterated that while economic and political relations with the United States could be considered, military bases are strictly excluded from any negotiations.

Strategic and Regional Implications

Bagram Air Base, located north of Kabul, served as the main hub for U.S. and NATO operations in Afghanistan for nearly two decades before the 2021 withdrawal. Its strategic location near the borders of China, Iran, and Central Asia has made it a focal point in U.S. efforts to monitor regional rivals and project power. Trump and his advisers have argued that regaining Bagram would provide the United States with a critical vantage point for intelligence gathering and countering Chinese influence in the region. However, analysts note that the Taliban’s control of the base and their refusal to negotiate its return present significant obstacles to any U.S. plans.

International Reactions and Prospects for Negotiation

The standoff has drawn international attention, with Chinese officials expressing concern that renewed U.S. military activity in Afghanistan could destabilize the region and threaten infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. According to U.S. media, informal negotiations have begun between American envoys and Taliban representatives, but Afghan officials in Kabul have so far rejected all proposals involving a foreign military presence. Experts suggest that while the Taliban might consider concessions in exchange for economic relief or sanctions relief, the current rhetoric from both sides indicates little room for compromise. The situation remains tense, with both the Taliban and the U.S. administration signaling readiness for a protracted diplomatic and strategic contest over Bagram Air Base.