A Taliban official has rejected the idea that the US could retake a key airbase in Afghanistan after President Donald Trump told reporters he wanted it back.
Zakir Jalal, who works in the Taliban's foreign ministry, said the idea of the US maintaining any military presence in Afghanistan was 'completely' rejected during talks before the Taliban returned to power.
This denial came after Trump suggested the possibility of retaking Bagram airbase because 'they need things from us'. The base was handed to the Afghan military shortly before the Taliban regained control.
Trump also commented on the location's significance, stating his initial reasons for keeping the airbase were linked to China, claiming it is close to where China develops nuclear weapons.
However, both the Taliban and a subsequent BBC investigation found no evidence supporting Trump's statements regarding a Chinese presence at the base. A Taliban spokesperson reaffirmed that any military presence is historically rejected by Afghans, hinting at openness to other forms of engagement instead.
The dialogue between the US and the Taliban continues, focusing primarily on American citizens currently in Afghanistan.
