MOSCOW — Afghanistan’s neighboring nations have united in opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to retake control of the Bagram military base, according to a statement issued after a meeting in Moscow. The gathering, known as the “Moscow Format,” marked the seventh such event hosted by Russia and included representatives from 10 countries, including India, Pakistan, China, and Iran, as well as Central Asian nations. Notably, it was the first time the Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, participated in the talks.
The joint statement issued late on Tuesday from Russia’s foreign ministry did not explicitly name the U.S. or the Bagram base, but it clearly criticized the plan, echoing the Taliban’s stance on foreign military presence in Afghanistan. The statement emphasized the countries’ collective concern, stating, “The attempts by countries to deploy their military infrastructure in Afghanistan and neighboring states are unacceptable, as they do not serve the interests of regional peace and stability.”
During the press conference following the event, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi reinforced the group’s long-standing position, declaring, “Afghanistan is a free and independent country, and throughout history, it has never accepted the military presence of foreigners. Our decision and policy will remain the same to keep Afghanistan free and independent.”
The United States had not responded to the statement at the time of reporting.
The Bagram Air Base, located just outside Kabul, became a symbol of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan before the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2021, following the Taliban’s swift return to power. Trump’s threat to reclaim the base, citing its strategic location near China, raised concerns about the possibility of a U.S. military re-engagement in the region.
The U.S. Department of State had previously refrained from commenting on Trump’s remarks, and experts have expressed skepticism about the practicality of such a move. Reoccupying Bagram would likely require more than 10,000 U.S. troops and advanced air defenses, potentially resembling a re-invasion and further escalating tensions.
As Afghanistan continues to navigate its post-withdrawal realities, the united front of its neighbors signals a broader regional consensus against foreign military intervention, underscoring the Taliban’s firm stance on maintaining Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
