Trump administration in talks with Afghan Taliban on possible US return to Bagram air base: Report

WASHINGTON

The Trump administration is holding preliminary discussions with the Taliban about reestablishing a small US military presence at Afghanistan’s Bagram air base, according to a report.

The Wall Street Journal, citing an anonymous US official, said the talks are led by special envoy for hostage response Adam Boehler and cover possible prisoner exchanges, economic arrangements, and a security component.

One US official told the newspaper that discussions have included allowing the US to use Bagram as a “launch point” for counterterrorism operations, potentially hosting drones or manned aircraft.

Bagram, located north of Kabul, was the largest US installation during the 20-year war in Afghanistan before the full withdrawal in 2021.

The Journal also quoted Afghan Foreign Ministry official Zakir Jalaly as rejecting any US military presence, though he left open the prospect of political and economic cooperation.

“Military presence has never been accepted by Afghans in history, and this possibility was completely rejected during the Doha talks and agreement, but doors to other engagements have been opened,” Jalaly was quoted as saying.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told the newspaper that the Defense Department "routinely reviews" contingency plans and is ready to act on the president's directives.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that his administration is trying to secure the return of the Bagram Air Base from the Taliban, though specifics on the hitherto secretive negotiations remained scarce.

Trump said part of his motivation for attempting to reacquire the facility is due to its proximity to a nearby site where China produces nuclear weapons, lamenting that US control over Bagram was not maintained during the American withdrawal under former President Joe Biden.