Taliban officials cited the Doha Agreement and territorial integrity, urging the U.S. to adopt a policy of “realism and rationality.”

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that “bad things” could occur if Afghanistan does not return control of the Bagram air base, leaving open the possibility of deploying troops to reclaim it.

The Taliban has firmly rejected a U.S. military return but has left the door open for political and economic engagement.