Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the Taliban will not cede control of Bagram airbase to the United States, pushing back against remarks by US President Donald Trump about returning to the strategic site.
Larijani said any renewed American presence in the region would face fierce resistance and argued that airstrikes alone cannot topple governments such as Iran’s. He described US military campaigns in the Middle East and South Asia as “deadly for American troops.”
In an interview on Wednesday, Larijani said Washington, with Israeli support, may be able to harm regional countries but cannot maintain control over them. He cited Iraq and Afghanistan as examples where the US was ultimately forced to withdraw.
“Mr Trump said in an interview that we will take Bagram airbase, but the Taliban minister responded that not an inch of land will be given,” Larijani said, highlighting sharp disagreements between the two sides. He dismissed Trump’s threats, asking: “What does it mean that you must take Bagram airbase?”
Referring to the recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, Larijani warned: “Bombing alone does not solve problems. Come down on the ground and they will deal with you. You cannot take a country just with bombing.”
During that conflict, Israel carried out heavy airstrikes on Iran, while Tehran responded with hundreds of rockets. US strikes also caused significant damage to Iranian nuclear facilities. Trump later announced the end of hostilities between Israel and Iran.
Trump has repeatedly raised the prospect of returning to Bagram, warning of “bad consequences” if the Taliban refuse. He has described the US withdrawal from Afghanistan as a “shameful day in American history.”
The Taliban remain under pressure over Bagram, though it is unclear how Washington could re-establish a presence at the base.
Russia, China and Iran have all voiced opposition to any US return. Their foreign ministers, speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, said a renewed American base in Afghanistan would threaten regional stability and security.
