The United States has rejected the possibility of reopening its embassy in Kabul following a request from the interim Afghan government, Afghan media has reported citing Washington Examiner.

The US State Department stated that it does not recognize any entity as the government of Afghanistan, making the reopening of its embassy in Kabul unlikely.

According to a spokesperson for the US State Department, the United States has “no plans to allow for the reopening of its embassy,” as it continues to withhold formal recognition of Afghanistan’s current rulers.

Afghanistan’s Tolo News reported that the statement follows a request from the interim Afghan government, which also sought the transfer of the Afghan embassy in Washington to the Islamic Emirate.

US policy on Afghan relations

James Hewitt, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, confirmed that the US has made no commitments to transferring the Afghan embassy in Washington, and no discussions are currently underway regarding the status of the US Embassy compound in Kabul.

Political analysts have varied views on the situation. Janat Faheem Chakari, a political analyst, suggested that Afghanistan remains a low priority for US foreign policy, with its future status still unclear. Mohammad Aslam Danishmal, another expert, emphasized the need for Afghanistan’s interim government to focus on internal affairs to avoid global isolation. Gol Mohammaduddin Mohammadi, also a political analyst, stated that discussions about reopening embassies are unrealistic until a political consensus is reached within Afghanistan.

According to Tolo News the rejection follows earlier statements from the Islamic Emirate, which had revealed discussions with a US delegation visiting Kabul regarding the reopening of the US embassy and the transfer of the Afghan embassy in Washington. Washington has yet to respond.