The Taliban has promised not to relinquish "even one metre" of Afghanistan after Donald Trump expressed his desire to reclaim a former US airbase in the country.
Bagram, the largest airbase in Afghanistan situated north of Kabul, served as the hub of US operations during their 20-year conflict with the Taliban.
The American president cautioned that "bad things" would transpire if Kabul did not return the site to US control, four years after US troops vacated it.
"Even if you recognize us and rebuild from scratch – let alone Bagram – we will not concede even one metre of this nation," stated Amir Khan Muttaqi, the country’s foreign minister.
"This is our stance, and this is the stance of the people."
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He added: "If it had been possible, why didn't we agree to these deals over 20 years ago, after all the martyrs and devastation?"
Mr. Muttaqi’s response followed the warning by Mr. Trump on his Truth Social platform, where he stated: "If Afghanistan doesn’t return Bagram airbase to those who built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!"
The US relinquished control of Bagram shortly before the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan in 2021. It was the cornerstone of US-led operations in the country for twenty years following America’s mission to dismantle the group in 2001 after the 9/11 attack.
During this period, the US expanded Bagram into a facility that accommodated tens of thousands of troops, including restaurants and shopping centers.
Fighter jets, drones, and cargo planes operated constantly from its twin runways, while soldiers killed in action received final honors there before their remains were sent back to the US.
Special operations troops based there conducted raids against al-Qaeda, Islamic State, the Taliban, and other militant factions throughout the country.
The base was also utilized for the torture and interrogation of enemies by US forces and the CIA, according to government reports and human rights investigations.
Mr. Trump’s heightening rhetoric has prompted Taliban leaders to issue their own menacing replies, with one senior official mentioning suicide bombings as a "defensive strategy."
In a recording obtained by The Telegraph, Taj Mir Jawad, the deputy director of the Taliban’s intelligence directorate, declared: "Just as we once donned explosives and blew ourselves up to secure this nation, we will don explosives and detonate ourselves again to defend it now."
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A former leader of the Taliban’s suicide unit also warned Mr. Trump, asserting he "did not learn from the precedents of past invaders."
Hamid Khorasani remarked: "I feel regret for the leaders of countries like America who wish to meddle in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Emirate because they have not learned from the disgraceful history of previous invaders of Afghanistan.
"We will eagerly undertake armed jihad – hundreds of thousands of genuine mujahideen are poised for suicide operations against you and any other invaders who attempt to seize even one inch of our nation by force and warfare," he added.
The Taliban emphasized its commitment to territorial sovereignty while calling for pragmatic engagement with the US.
An official spokesman stated: "In line with Islamic principles and grounded in its balanced, economy-focused foreign policy, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan seeks constructive relations with all states based on mutual and shared interests.
"It is reiterated that, rather than repeating prior unsuccessful approaches, a policy of realism and rationality should be embraced."
The Taliban administration reminded Washington of commitments made under the 2020 Doha Agreement, which includes a pledge by the US not to "use or threaten force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Afghanistan, nor meddle in its internal affairs."
The diplomatic turmoil ensued after Mr. Trump announced that the US was striving to regain control of Bagram during his visit to London on Thursday, emphasizing its strategic proximity to China’s nuclear weapons sites.
"We’re attempting to reclaim it – by the way, that might be a little breaking news," he stated at a press conference with Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister.
"One of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, it’s an hour away from where China manufactures its nuclear weapons."
Mr. Trump has consistently insisted that Bagram is under Chinese control – assertions repudiated by the Taliban and Beijing.
Mufti Abdul Mateen Qaneh, the Taliban spokesman, characterized his remarks as "groundless and peculiar," adding that they were "far from the realities and infused with animosity."
"We will never surrender Bagram to anyone," Mr. Qaneh informed The Telegraph.
Mr. Trump has persistently criticized his predecessor Joe Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, citing the estimated $7bn (£5.1bn) worth of American military equipment and assets left behind when US forces retreated.
The Taliban’s foreign minister also affirmed the group’s unwavering position regarding foreign military presence during negotiations in Doha.
"When we conversed with America and others in Doha, we made it clear: we do not accept even a single one of your people in uniform," Mr. Muttaqi stated.
The Taliban regime, which has obtained formal diplomatic recognition only from Russia, has endeavored to portray itself as pursuing constructive international engagement while retaining firm control over Afghan territory.
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