The Taliban on Sunday firmly rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that American forces could return to Bagram Air Base, four years after the U.S. withdrawal left the sprawling military facility in Taliban hands.

Trump had hinted that the Taliban, facing economic challenges, internal divisions, and international isolation since 2021, might allow U.S. forces back in Afghanistan.

However, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed the idea, urging Washington to adopt a policy of “realism and rationality.”

Mujahid emphasized that Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity are non-negotiable and noted that under the 2020 Doha Agreement, the United States pledged not to threaten Afghanistan’s sovereignty or interfere in its internal affairs.

The U.S. must honor its commitments, he said.

He did not comment on any direct discussions with the Trump administration regarding Bagram or why Trump believed a return was feasible.

Last year, the Taliban showcased their control over Bagram with a military display of abandoned U.S. equipment, marking three years since their takeover. Trump has repeatedly criticized President Joe Biden for what he called mishandling the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the site of the country’s longest war.