The Taliban has delivered a sharp warning to both Washington and Islamabad, declaring that any attempt to place Bagram Air Base back under American control will be treated as an act of aggression.
In a recent meeting in Kandahar, senior Taliban leaders, under the guidance of supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, discussed mounting international speculation about the United States pressing for renewed access to Bagram. According to Taliban sources, the leadership unanimously rejected the idea, stressing that Afghanistan’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
The move comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that America should “take back Bagram” to safeguard regional security interests. His comments fueled speculation about possible negotiations, but the Taliban has framed such discussions as interference in Afghan affairs.
Strong Message to Pakistan
In addition to the U.S., the Taliban directed a firm warning toward Pakistan. Officials stated that if Islamabad assists Washington in any attempt to reclaim the base, it would be treated as siding with an enemy. This marks one of the strongest statements yet from the Taliban toward its neighbor, underscoring growing tensions in the region.
Why Bagram Matters
Located in Parwan province, about 50 kilometers north of Kabul, Bagram Air Base was the largest U.S. military facility during the two-decade war in Afghanistan. Beyond its strategic location, it became a symbol of American military dominance in the country. For the Taliban, conceding Bagram would mean undermining both their authority and their promise to defend Afghanistan’s independence.
A Brewing Flashpoint
The Taliban’s firm stance suggests that any U.S. attempt to revive its military footprint in Afghanistan would be met with armed resistance. The warning also raises diplomatic stakes for Pakistan, which has historically played a balancing role between Washington and the Taliban but now risks being drawn deeper into regional friction.
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