In a bold and unyielding stand, the Taliban government has swiftly shut down US President Donald Trump's audacious proposal to reclaim the strategic Bagram Air Base, reigniting old wounds from America's hasty exit four years ago. The sprawling facility, once the nerve center of US operations in Afghanistan, fell into Taliban hands amid the chaotic 2021 withdrawal, symbolizing the end of two decades of Western military involvement. Trump's recent overtures, laced with hints of economic incentives for a cash-strapped Kabul, have been met with outright dismissal, underscoring the deep-seated mistrust that continues to define US-Afghan relations.

The surprise rejection came just days after Trump publicly floated the idea, suggesting that the Taliban's economic woes—coupled with internal divisions, a lack of global recognition, and threats from rival insurgent groups—might make them amenable to a US return. Speaking at a rally last week, Trump painted a picture of a "win-win" deal, where American forces could reestablish a foothold at Bagram to counter regional threats like China's growing influence and Iran's proxy activities. Yet, Taliban officials see this not as partnership, but as a blatant attempt to erode Afghanistan's hard-won sovereignty, echoing the very interventions that fueled their rise to power.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid wasted no time in firing back on X, lambasting Trump's approach as divorced from "realism and rationality." In a strongly worded statement, Mujahid emphasized Afghanistan's commitment to an "economy-oriented foreign policy," one that prioritizes constructive ties with all nations based on mutual respect and shared benefits. He reiterated that Kabul has repeatedly made it clear in bilateral talks: the nation's independence and territorial integrity are non-negotiable red lines. "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," Mujahid declared, calling on Washington to honor its word rather than chase imperial fantasies.

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Mujahid's post, which garnered thousands of views within hours, also served as a subtle reminder of the Taliban's resilience. Since seizing control in August 2021, the group has faced relentless challenges: a plummeting economy ravaged by sanctions and frozen assets, fractured alliances among its Pashtun-dominated ranks, and sporadic clashes with ISIS-Khorasan militants who view the Taliban as too moderate. International isolation has only compounded these woes, with no country formally recognizing their regime and humanitarian aid trickling in amid famine warnings for millions. Despite this, the Taliban has repurposed Bagram as a showcase of defiance, hosting military parades last year to flaunt captured US weaponry—from Black Hawk helicopters to Humvees—in a spectacle that both celebrated their victory and mocked American overreach.

The Associated Press reached out to Mujahid for details on any backchannel discussions with the Trump administration about Bagram, but received no response. It's equally murky whether Trump's team has engaged Afghan intermediaries, such as Qatar or Pakistan, to test the waters. What is clear, however, is Trump's personal vendetta against the withdrawal orchestrated under President Joe Biden. The former—and now current—president has hammered Biden for what he calls "gross incompetence," pointing to the frantic Kabul airport evacuations, the abandonment of billions in military gear, and the tragic loss of 13 US service members in a suicide bombing. Trump's fixation on Bagram isn't new; during his first term, he touted the base as indispensable for intelligence operations and drone strikes, and his recent comments suggest a desire to rewrite history by turning defeat into a strategic pivot.

As the dust settles from this latest diplomatic dust-up, questions swirl about the broader implications for South Asian stability. Could Trump's persistence push the Taliban closer to adversaries like Russia or China, who have quietly extended overtures to Kabul? Or might it fracture the fragile Doha framework, inviting renewed proxy conflicts in a region already simmering with unrest? For now, the Taliban's firm "no" stands as a testament to their unshakeable grip on power, forcing the US to confront the limits of its influence in a post-withdrawal world. With global eyes watching, this episode serves as a stark reminder that Afghanistan's future will be shaped not by foreign bids, but by the resolve of those who call it home.

Also Read: China, Taliban Reject Trump’s Bold Push to Reclaim Bagram