Overview

• Trump escalated his demand on Sept. 20 with a Truth Social ultimatum and told reporters the U.S. is talking to Afghan authorities about regaining the base.
• The Taliban publicly ruled out ceding control, with Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi saying not even one metre of Afghan land will be given and spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat invoking the Doha Agreement.
• Fasihuddin Fitrat of the Taliban Defense Ministry said a deal over even an inch of Afghan soil is not possible, though officials signaled openness to non-military political and economic ties.
• The Wall Street Journal reported U.S. officials discussed potential access with Taliban representatives, but there is no agreement and Kabul has reiterated its refusal.
• Trump argues the site’s value includes proximity to Chinese nuclear facilities, as China criticized his remarks, and analysts warn any reoccupation would be costly and require significant troop commitments to defend against ISIS-K and al-Qaeda threats.