Iran’s foreign minister warned that any renewed US military presence in Afghanistan would undermine regional peace and stability, as Taliban sources said their defense minister plans to travel to China amid growing tensions over Bagram airbase.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran opposes any attempt by Washington to reestablish a military foothold in Afghanistan.
“Reestablishing foreign military bases inside or around Afghanistan violates its sovereignty, threatens regional peace and security, and fuels extremism and instability,” Araghchi said, according to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB.
His remarks came after President Donald Trump repeatedly vowed in recent days to “take back” Bagram airbase, a former hub of US operations north of Kabul. Trump has issued at least four public warnings in the past week, including direct threats to the Taliban if the base is not handed over. Sources told Amu TV earlier that his comments have caused serious concern within Taliban leadership circles.
Two sources in Kandahar, including one close to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada’s office, told Amu that Taliban Defense Minister Yaqoob Mujahid is preparing to travel to China at Akhundzada’s direction and at Beijing’s official invitation. The sources said Bagram would be among the key issues discussed.
“The renewed US presence faces challenges,” military analyst Bismillah Taban told Amu. “Taliban leadership does not support foreign forces, but some figures are considering engagement. Any US return would disrupt Taliban cohesion.”
Earlier this month, sources confirmed that following Trump’s warnings, Akhundzada convened Taliban cabinet members in Kandahar for internal consultations. Preparations for another cabinet session there are still underway.
Bagram, once the heart of US military operations during two decades of war in Afghanistan, has reemerged as a flashpoint. Observers say Trump’s remarks suggest he is unlikely to easily abandon interest in the base.
