Tehran – Iran has made a strong warning to the United States about the possible reoccupation of the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, and an official of the state has said that such a step would transform the base into a “graveyard” for the American troops.
The warning comes after recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that the US should regain control of the strategically important air base to “keep an eye on regional countries,” specifically mentioning China.
Abolfazl Zahrvand, a prominent member of the National Security Commission of the Iranian Parliament and former ambassador to Afghanistan, voiced his country’s concerns.
In a statement on September 25, 2025, Zahrvand asserted that a US return to Afghanistan would “endanger the security situation in the region and the interests of regional countries.”
His remarks follow similar warnings from China and Russia, highlighting a growing consensus among regional powers against any renewed American military presence in Afghanistan.
A Regional Response to a Geopolitical Threat
The Iranian official’s comments underscore the deep-seated apprehension in Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing regarding US strategic intentions in Central Asia.
Trump’s explicit reference to using Bagram to “monitor China” has been perceived by these nations as a direct threat to their interests.
The US president’s controversial statement, which also mentioned a nuclear power near the base, has reignited regional anxieties about a new round of geopolitical competition.
Zahrvand’s warning that Bagram would become a “graveyard for the US” is a direct and forceful message intended to deter any military action.
He also predicted that the Taliban would not willingly hand over Bagram to the US but warned that if America were to exert pressure, a united front of regional powers, including Iran, Russia, China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, could form to confront American policies.
Also See: Bagram and the Making of Great Game 3.0
A New Regional Dynamic
An important element of this developing situation is the recent improvement in relations between the Taliban and its northern neighbours, particularly Tajikistan.
Zahrvand indicated that these improved ties are largely due to Russia’s influence, aimed at creating a cohesive regional bloc to resist external pressures. This is a significant shift, as Tajikistan has historically been at odds with the Taliban government due to security concerns along their shared border.
The fact that Iran, which had politically and militarily supported the Taliban during the previous conflict, is now a key part of this coordinated effort suggests a powerful new alignment in the region. Iran had also given shelter to the families of Taliban leaders, a sign of the close, though often complex, relationship between the two.
