"The US cannot have a military presence in Afghanistan. However, the two countries can still engage with each other, building political and economic relations based on mutual respect and common interests," Zakir Jalaly, an official from the Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on 19/9.

This statement came a day after former President Donald Trump declared that the US administration was "looking to retake Bagram Air Base." While not confirming whether Washington was in talks with the Taliban on the issue, Trump claimed he had leverage because the administration in Afghanistan "needs a lot of things from the US."

Jalaly praised the former US leader as a "skilled businessman and negotiator" but emphasized that the Afghan people have never accepted the military presence of foreign countries in their nation. "With other forms of contact, we are open to all avenues with the US," the Taliban official said.

A US MRAP mine-resistant vehicle at Bagram Air Base in 8/2020. Photo: Reuters

A US MRAP mine-resistant vehicle at Bagram Air Base in 8/2020. Photo: Reuters

The US currently maintains minimal contact with the Taliban administration, primarily focused on hostage negotiations. Adam Boehler, the White House's special envoy for hostage affairs, made a rare visit to Kabul last week and met with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Since the Taliban took power in 8/2021, Afghanistan has remained isolated internationally, with Russia being the only country to recognize the new government. Afghanistan's economy has severely weakened, unable to attract foreign aid or investment.

Afghanistan will not be represented at the UN General Assembly session next week due to travel bans imposed on Taliban officials.

Bagram Air Base, located about 40 km north of the capital Kabul, was built by the Soviet Union in the 1950s and became a key US base during the intervention in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks. At its peak, it housed over 100,000 troops, two long runways, a hospital, and a prison.

Location of Bagram Air Base and China. Graphic: NBC

Location of Bagram Air Base and China. Graphic: NBC

During the war in Afghanistan, Bagram served as the primary base for US forces, and several US presidents visited the site. Former President Joe Biden ordered the Pentagon to withdraw all forces from Bagram in 7/2021 as the Taliban advanced on Kabul.

A 2023 US State Department report concluded that the decision to abandon Bagram Air Base contributed to the chaotic evacuation at Kabul airport in 8/2021, making Hamid Karzai International Airport the only evacuation route out of Afghanistan.

Thanh Danh (Reuters, The Hill)