Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has categorically rejected US President Donald Trump’s call to reclaim control of the Bagram Air Base, declaring that “not even one metre of Afghan land will be given to the Americans.”
Muttaqi made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Tolo News, stressing that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable.
The statement came shortly after Trump said that Washington was trying to regain control of Bagram, a key military airbase north of Kabul that was under US command until its withdrawal in 2021.
Afghanistan Issues Official Statement
In a follow-up official statement, Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government reaffirmed its “balanced, economy-oriented foreign policy” rooted in Islamic principles. The declaration highlighted that independence and territorial integrity remain top priorities in all diplomatic engagements, including with the United States.
The Afghan statement read:
“In accordance with Islamic principles and grounded in its balanced, economy-oriented foreign policy, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan seeks constructive relations with all states on the basis of mutual and shared interests.”
It further emphasized that the US has been repeatedly reminded that Afghanistan’s independence cannot be compromised.
Reference to the Doha Agreement
Afghanistan also cited the Doha Agreement signed in February 2020, under Trump’s first term, which paved the way for the withdrawal of US troops.
The agreement included a clause where the US pledged:
- Not to use or threaten force against Afghanistan’s territorial integrity
- Not to interfere in its internal affairs
The Afghan statement urged Washington to remain faithful to these commitments, adding that instead of repeating past failures, the US should adopt a policy of realism and rationality.
Trump’s Position on Bagram
During his recent official visit to the UK, Trump once again criticized the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it “the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country.”
Trump reiterated that while he had planned to withdraw US forces, he intended to retain control of Bagram Air Base, which he described as one of the largest and most strategically important military bases in the world, particularly given its proximity to China’s border.
Earlier, in a post on Truth Social, Trump issued a stern warning to the Taliban government:
“If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Air Base back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!”
The Strategic Importance of Bagram
Located just north of Kabul, the Bagram Air Base served as the main US military hub throughout the 20-year war in Afghanistan.
- It housed thousands of troops
- Was used as a logistics and air operations center
- Included a notorious prison where detainees were held for years without trial during the US-led “war on terror”
Reports by Al Jazeera and other outlets have documented abuse and torture at the site, making it one of the most controversial legacies of the US presence in Afghanistan.
Today, Bagram remains under the control of the Taliban government following the final withdrawal of US and allied forces in August 2021.
FAQs on Bagram Air Base Dispute
Q1: What did Afghanistan’s FM say about Trump’s demand?
Amir Khan Muttaqi said, “Not even one metre of Afghan land will be given to the Americans.”
Q2: Why is Bagram Air Base important?
It was the largest US military hub in Afghanistan, strategically located near China, and served as a command center for US-led operations.
Q3: What does the Doha Agreement state?
The US pledged not to threaten Afghanistan’s sovereignty or interfere in its internal affairs in exchange for the Taliban’s security assurances.
Q4: What warning did Trump issue?
On Truth Social, Trump warned that “bad things are going to happen” if Afghanistan does not hand over Bagram to the US.
Q5: Who controls Bagram Air Base now?
The Taliban government has full control since US troops left in 2021.
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