Khalilzad’s Return to Kabul: Taliban–U.S. Relations Enter a “New Phase”

The details and exact purpose of this meeting have not yet been disclosed. Muttaqi, however, stated that cooperation between the Taliban and the U.S. has entered a “new phase”—a phrase left unexplained, fueling speculation about the scope of this engagement.

In previous sessions, discussions mainly focused on the release of American citizens imprisoned in Afghanistan. With that process now completed, analysts suggest that issues such as security, humanitarian aid, and limited economic cooperation—channeled indirectly through international institutions—may be on the agenda, though none of these have been officially confirmed.

Khalilzad has previously traveled to Kabul several times, holding informal talks with Muttaqi about possible pathways for developing Afghanistan–U.S. relations.

On another trip, he was accompanied by Adam Boehler, the U.S. president’s special envoy, meeting with Muttaqi and Taliban deputy for economic affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to discuss matters including detainees, the status of foreign nationals, and economic opportunities.

The continuation of these meetings indicates that, even after its military withdrawal, the U.S. is still seeking to maintain political and economic channels with Kabul. Yet these interactions remain conditional, limited in scope, and marked by mutual distrust.

The overall pattern of behavior from both sides suggests a relationship that is neither fully severed nor based on trust, but rather one defined by controlled, interest‑driven engagement. Despite Khalilzad’s mediation efforts to bring security and military issues into the dialogue, the relationship has so far remained confined to economic and diplomatic exchanges.