Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has firmly ruled out the possibility of reviving intra-Afghan dialogue, calling past negotiations a “bitter experience” that should not be repeated. In an interview with Al-Jazeera, Muttaqi asserted that the current Taliban-led government is fully representative of the Afghan nation and no further political talks are needed.
Muttaqi claimed that under Taliban rule, Afghans are free to live without discrimination based on ethnicity, region, or political beliefs, and insisted there are no threats to those willing to live peacefully within the system.
Addressing relations with the United States, Muttaqi criticised Washington for not fully honouring the 2020 Doha Agreement. He highlighted delays in prisoner releases and pointed to the continued presence of Taliban officials on international sanctions lists, despite prior commitments for their removal. While he acknowledged the recent lifting of US bounties on some Taliban leaders, he said full delisting remains pending. However, he described the recent US delegation visit to Kabul as a “positive sign” and expressed hope for improved ties moving forward.
On foreign policy, Muttaqi said the Taliban pursues a balanced and neutral approach, particularly in regard to tensions between India and Pakistan. “We do not support one country over the other,” he stated, reaffirming the group’s intent to maintain cordial diplomatic relations with both nuclear-armed neighbours.
Muttaqi also downplayed concerns about internal dissent, claiming there are no active opposition groups inside Afghanistan. He described critics abroad as fragmented individuals without political weight, and invited exiled Afghans — including former rivals — to return home, promising they would face no retribution.
