Taliban Says Trump Can Only Dream of Regaining Bagram Airbase
The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture spokesperson responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about retaking the Bagram Airbase, stating that Trump will only obtain the base “in his dreams.” Hayatullah Muhajir Farahi told the Indian network “India Today” that Bagram remains firmly under Taliban control.
Donald Trump had previously asserted multiple times that the United States should never have lost control over Bagram due to its strategic location near China. The Bagram Airbase, located north of Kabul, was built during the Soviet Union era and became the main hub for U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan after the events of September 11, 2001. The base was seized by the Taliban in August 2021 following the withdrawal of American troops.
Muhajir Farahi also addressed ongoing tensions with Pakistan, stating that the Taliban administration will defend its “sovereignty” against foreign actions. He claimed that, according to him, a strong response has been given to the “military government of Pakistan.” These statements come amid continuing border tensions and security accusations between the two sides, conflicts that have predominantly affected residents of the border regions.
The Taliban spokesperson further discussed efforts to expand relations with India, emphasizing that the administration’s foreign policy is based on “Afghanistan’s national interests.” He added that historical ties with India exist and that no country can dictate to Kabul whom it should maintain relations with.
According to the Taliban official, their administration seeks to reduce commercial dependence on Pakistan by creating and strengthening alternative routes through Central Asia, Iran, India, and China. This comes as repeated closures of border crossings with Pakistan in recent years have caused significant financial losses for traders, driven up prices of essential goods in Afghanistan’s markets, and raised concerns about the Taliban’s management of regional relations.
