U.S. President Donald Trump has once again called for the United States to reestablish a military presence at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, nearly four years after Washington’s chaotic withdrawal handed control of the facility to the Taliban.
Speaking on Saturday, Trump told reporters, “We’re talking now to Afghanistan” about regaining access to the strategic air base but declined to provide further details. When asked if he would consider sending U.S. troops to forcibly retake the base, Trump refused to elaborate. “We won’t talk about that,” he said. “We want it back, and we want it back right away. If they don’t do it, you’re going to find out what I’m going to do.”
In a swift response on Sunday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed Trump’s remarks, urging the U.S. to pursue what he described as a policy of “realism and rationality.” Writing on X, Mujahid stressed that Afghanistan’s foreign policy is focused on economic development and maintaining constructive relations with all nations based on mutual interests.
He reminded Washington of its obligations under the 2020 Doha Agreement, which prohibits the U.S. from using or threatening force against Afghanistan’s territorial integrity or interfering in its internal affairs. Mujahid did not confirm whether any discussions had taken place with the Trump administration regarding Bagram.
Last month, the Taliban marked the third anniversary of their takeover of Bagram with a large military parade showcasing abandoned U.S. equipment—an event that reportedly drew attention from the White House.
Trump has repeatedly blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for what he calls the “grossly incompetent” withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2021 after America’s longest war.
During his recent state visit to the United Kingdom, Trump suggested that Afghanistan’s struggling economy, lack of international recognition, and security challenges might make the Taliban willing to negotiate. “We’re trying to get it back because they need things from us,” he said.
Although the U.S. and Taliban do not have formal diplomatic relations, the two sides have engaged in hostage negotiations in recent years. In March, an American tourist abducted in Afghanistan was released following a prisoner swap, though neither side disclosed the full terms of the deal.
Photos released by the Taliban earlier this year showed Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi meeting with Trump’s special envoy for hostage response, Adam Boehler, signaling ongoing contact between Kabul and Washington despite political tensions.
