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The statement comes in response to repeated threats by US President Donald Trump, who recently hinted at the possibility of American forces reclaiming the strategic Bagram Air Base
The Taliban leadership unanimously rejected any possibility of handing over the Bagram Air Base to American forces. (AFP)
The Afghan Taliban, in a high-level leadership meeting held in Kandahar, has vowed to fully prepare for a renewed war if the United States attempts to retake Bagram Air Base, and warned that any cooperation by Pakistan with such US efforts would place Islamabad in direct confrontation with the Taliban.
The statement comes in response to repeated threats by US President Donald Trump, who recently hinted at the possibility of American forces reclaiming the strategic Bagram Air Base. Trump had earlier remarked that if the Taliban did not comply, “bad things” could follow.
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Senior sources within the Taliban told CNN-News18 that the group’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, convened a closed-door meeting involving top cabinet officials, intelligence heads, military commanders, and the Council of Ulema. The discussions centered on Trump’s remarks and potential US military action.
The Taliban leadership unanimously rejected any possibility of handing over the Bagram Air Base to American forces, saying the group would “fully prepare for war” if attacked.
One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was a stern warning to Pakistan. Taliban insiders say the leadership has declared that if Pakistan facilitates or supports the United States in any form, logistically, diplomatically, or militarily, it would be considered an enemy state by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
The statement raises the stakes for Islamabad, which is preparing for a top-level diplomatic meeting with the Trump administration in the coming days.
To counter what it perceives as an imminent threat, the Taliban leadership has assigned Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to urgently reach out to global and regional powers.
According to sources, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and even India will be contacted to convey the Taliban’s position and warn against any escalation initiated by the United States.
Taliban officials have also stated that the Islamic State group in Afghanistan is “following the spirit of the Doha Agreement”, hinting that ISIS may not currently be viewed as a destabilising force—a rare moment of diplomatic signalling.
The Taliban’s refusal to surrender Bagram, its threat of renewed war, and its open warning to Pakistan signal a rapidly escalating standoff in the region.
About the Author
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18
Afghanistan
September 23, 2025, 14:08 IST
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