Afghan government rejects Trump's demand for Bagram airbase return

Afghanistan's government has rejected former US President Donald Trump's threat to take back the Bagram airbase, stating that relinquishing any part of its territory is "not possible."

21 sept 2025 - 17:32 • 2 min read

Afghanistan's Taliban-led government has firmly rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump's demand for the return of the Bagram airbase, warning that such a move is "not possible" and calling on the United States to adhere to existing agreements.

Trump, who has previously criticized the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the subsequent loss of access to the strategic airbase, reiterated his interest in reacquiring the facility. In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, he warned that "bad things will happen" if Afghanistan does not return the base to the United States.

However, Afghan officials have countered Trump's assertions. Fasihuddin Fitrat, chief of the Defense Staff of Afghanistan, stated that an agreement concerning "even an inch of Afghanistan's soil is not possible." He emphasized that the country seeks constructive relations with all nations based on mutual interests and shared benefits.

The Taliban, through a statement released by spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, also underscored Afghanistan's commitment to its "independence and territorial integrity." The statement reminded the United States of its obligations under the Doha Agreement, which stipulated that the U.S. would not use or threaten to use force against Afghanistan's territorial integrity or political independence, nor interfere in its internal affairs.

Bagram, located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Kabul, was the largest U.S. military installation in Afghanistan and a pivotal hub for operations during the two-decade conflict. The airbase, originally built by the Soviet Union, was handed back to the Afghan army in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. forces.

Trump has frequently lamented the loss of the Bagram airbase, citing its strategic proximity to China's nuclear weapons facilities. He has also linked its abandonment to his criticism of his successor, President Joe Biden's handling of the U.S. military pullout.

Afghan officials, including Zakir Jalaly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have consistently expressed opposition to any renewed foreign military presence in the country. He stated that Afghans have historically resisted foreign occupation and that Kabul is prepared to engage in political and economic ties with Washington based on mutual respect and shared interests, without a U.S. military presence.

Trump, when pressed by reporters about the possibility of sending troops to retake the base, declined to provide a direct answer, stating only that discussions with Afghanistan were ongoing and that the U.S. wanted the base back "soon."