Taliban refuses to return abandoned U.S. military equipment

On March 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump urged the Taliban to return military equipment left behind by U.S. forces when they withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021. He also suggested that U.S. troops should return to the Bagram airbase, claiming it is now occupied by Chinese troops. Trump has made similar demands before. In January 2025, he stated that future U.S. aid to Afghanistan would depend on the return of the abandoned equipment, which the Department of Defense estimated to be worth over $7 billion. The Taliban, however, has rejected these requests, calling the equipment "spoils of war." The U.S. government faces challenges in retrieving the equipment. It could increase sanctions against the Taliban but is unlikely to make major concessions, such as releasing Afghanistan’s seized foreign reserves or recognizing the Taliban's government. Financial assistance from the U.S. might attract support from China, furthering Beijing's influence in Afghanistan. While there are potential routes for returning the equipment, including through Central Asian countries or Pakistan, political relationships complicate matters. Central Asian republics, which are cultivating ties with Afghanistan, may require permission from Russia before cooperating with the U.S. Meanwhile, strained U.S.-Pakistan relations could affect access through that route. Iran also presents a possible logistics path for the equipment, as Afghanistan and Iran are improving their relations. However, the Taliban may impose heavy fees for any shipments through Iranian ports, which are monitored by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Amid these complications, leaving the equipment in Afghanistan might be a simpler option. The Taliban appears to need the gear to solidify its control rather than to launch invasions against neighbors. Trump’s administration has shown little intention to disrupt this status quo, particularly in light of the historical complexities and current engagements in the region. In February 2025, the Taliban declared their peace agreement with the U.S. no longer valid. They argued that they have met their commitments by preventing attacks on U.S. interests. Recently, the Taliban returned an American tourist and the U.S. lifted bounties on key Taliban leaders, suggesting some diplomatic moves are in progress. Overall, the situation remains fluid, with the U.S. weighing its options carefully. Trump may need to pivot away from aggressive demands and pursue steps that build trust with the Taliban while addressing regional stability concerns.