The Taliban on Sunday denied claims that it is negotiating over the former U.S. Bagram Air Base. On Saturday, President Donald Trump warned of consequences if the site is not returned to the United States.
Taliban army chief Qari Fasihuddin, in a statement, rejected any suggestion of talks, saying the group would not cede “even an inch” of Afghan territory.
“That is impossible,” Fasihuddin said. “We fear no one, no wealth, and no tyranny.”
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The Taliban government issued a separate statement calling on Washington to honor the 2020 Doha Agreement, which includes provisions discouraging interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. The statement also warned against repeating what it called “past failed experiences.”
The comments came after Trump claimed discussions were underway to regain control of Bagram and hinted at possible action if the Taliban refused to cooperate.
“We want it back, and we want it back right away,” Trump said. “If they don’t do it, you’re going to find out what I’m going to do.”
Asked whether he would consider sending U.S. troops to reclaim the base, Trump replied, “We won’t talk about that.”
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed Trump’s remarks, urging the U.S. to adopt a “realistic and rational” approach. In a post on X, Mujahid said Afghanistan’s foreign policy was focused on economic cooperation and mutual interests.
Trump has repeatedly said the base is currently under Chinese control, but Afghan authorities have disputed the claims. He cited Chinese interests as a reason for trying to get the base back, saying, “It’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.”
Bagram, once the largest U.S. military installation in Afghanistan, fell under Taliban control following the withdrawal of American forces in 2021.
