Khalilzad: Washington Has No Plans to Retake Bagram

DID Press: Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. envoy on Afghanistan peace process, dismissed speculation about a possible American return to Bagram air base, saying Washington has no intention of reclaiming the facility. His remarks stand in sharp contrast to recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a post on X on Sunday, September 30, Khalilzad wrote that reports of U.S.-Taliban security cooperation and renewed American use of Bagram for joint operations are “false and misleading.” “My understanding is that Washington does not intend to take Bagram back from the Afghans,” he stressed.

Khalilzad’s stance comes after he had earlier suggested that potential U.S.-Taliban cooperation at Bagram could be considered if certain security concerns — including the issue of American hostages — were resolved.

By contrast, Trump recently confirmed that talks with the Taliban regarding Bagram were underway and warned of “unpleasant consequences” should the base not be handed over to Washington.

Taliban authorities, however, have categorically rejected any such prospect. Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Chief of Army Staff Fasihuddin Fitrat both said that returning Bagram to the U.S. is “impossible” and inconsistent with the group’s policies.

Analysts argue that conflicting messages from current and former U.S. officials, coupled with Taliban’s hardline response, underscore how Bagram remains a highly sensitive flashpoint in U.S.-Afghan relations — one with direct implications for regional security dynamics.