Taliban reject Trump’s bid to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan

On Sunday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed Trump’s remarks. He urged the US to adopt a policy of “realism and rationality” and said Afghanistan sought constructive relations with all countries on the basis of “mutual and shared interests.”

Mujahid referred to the 2020 Doha Agreement, saying: “It should be recalled that, under the Doha Agreement, the United States pledged that ‘it will not use or threaten force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Afghanistan, nor interfere in its internal affairs.’” He added that the US should remain faithful to its commitments.

The Taliban last year marked the third anniversary of their takeover at Bagram with a military parade of abandoned US equipment. Trump has repeatedly criticised former president Joe Biden for what he called “gross incompetence” in managing the 2021 US withdrawal after the country’s longest war.

During his state visit to the United Kingdom last week, Trump suggested that the Taliban could be willing to allow a US return. “We’re trying to get it back because they need things from us,” he said.

The Taliban said they had also reached a deal with US envoys for a prisoner exchange as part of ongoing talks. They released photos showing Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi meeting Trump’s special envoy for hostage response, Adam Boehler. The White House did not comment.

An American tourist held in Afghanistan for more than two years was freed by the Taliban in March after direct contacts with US officials.