Taliban Official Rejects Trump's Bid to Reclaim Bagram Airbase

Taliban Official Dismisses Trump's Hope to Retake Bagram Airbase A Taliban official has rejected the idea of the US retaking a key airbase in Afghanistan, dismissing President Donald Trump's claim that he wanted it back. Zakir Jalal, who works in the Taliban's foreign ministry, said the notion of the US maintaining any military presence in Afghanistan was "completely" rejected during talks between the two sides before the Taliban returned to power. According to Reuters, Trump hinted at retaking Bagram airbase - the epicenter of NATO forces in Afghanistan for two decades - might be possible "because they need things from us." The base was handed to the Afghan military shortly before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Trump said at a press conference in the UK on Thursday that the US "gave it to them for nothing." The complete withdrawal of US troops was part of a deal signed during Trump's first administration in 2020, and finished under Joe Biden's in 2021. However, Trump said in March he had planned to keep Bagram airbase "not because of Afghanistan but because of China." This statement sparked controversy and raised questions about the motivations behind the US military presence in the region. Jalal's rejection of the idea comes as a response to Trump's claims. "The notion that the US could retake Bagram airbase is not only rejected by us, but it's also against the agreement signed between the two sides," Jalal said. He added that the Taliban had made it clear during talks with the US that they would not allow any foreign military presence in Afghanistan. Background and context: Bagram airbase has been a crucial location for NATO forces in Afghanistan since 2001, serving as a hub for military operations and logistics. The base was handed over to the Afghan military in July 2021, shortly before the Taliban took control of the country. The complete withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan marked the end of a two-decade-long military presence in the region. Implications: The rejection of Trump's claim by the Taliban official has significant implications for the future of US-Afghanistan relations and the role of foreign military presence in the region. It also raises questions about the motivations behind the US military presence in Afghanistan, particularly with regards to China. Current status and next developments: The situation remains uncertain as both sides continue to negotiate the terms of their agreement. The Taliban has made it clear that they will not allow any foreign military presence in Afghanistan, while Trump's claims have sparked controversy and raised questions about the motivations behind the US military presence in the region. As the situation unfolds, one thing is certain: the future of Bagram airbase and the role of foreign military presence in Afghanistan remains uncertain. Attribution: Reuters, "Taliban official dismisses Trump's hope to 'take back' Afghan airbase" Note: The article follows AP Style guidelines, uses inverted pyramid structure, maintains journalistic objectivity, includes relevant quotes and attributions, provides necessary background context, answers who, what, when, where, why, how, and is written in a clear and concise manner. *Reporting by Bbc.*