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US reviewing possibility to reopen its consulate in Afghanistan
The United States is reviewing the possibility of reopening its consulate in Afghanistan under the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) rule without formally recognizing the acting government, according to a report.
According to a newly released strategy document from the State Department, the US is “cautiously” and without officially recognizing the Islamic Emirate, reviewing the possibility of reopening its consulate in Afghanistan under the IEA’s control, as reported by the Voice of America on Thursday.
This move indicates a possible change in U.S. policy, moving towards limited engagement with the isolated IEA government to achieve various security, political, and economic objectives.
According to Voice of America, the State Department’s guidance in this report states: “We support transparency and accountability, along with access for American citizens to consular services, in coordination with the Taliban [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan].”
In this State Department report, it is stated: “Even as the United States does not officially recognize the Taliban [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan] as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, we must establish effective working relationships with them to advance our goals and increase our understanding of the Taliban’s readiness and ability to fulfil their commitments to [Washington].”
According to the report, the US’s new strategy encompasses four areas, including counterterrorism efforts, economic assistance, local engagement, and the provision of consular services to American citizens, as well as aiding Afghan migration to the United States.
The document also emphasizes support for the work of the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs in securing the release of American hostages detained in Afghanistan.
Voice of America also reports that the document underscores the United States’ commitment to discussing the fundamental rights of the Afghan people, particularly the rights of women and girls.
Following the fall of the Republic and the IEA’s takeover, the United States closed its embassy in Afghanistan, and this institution currently operates under its staff in Doha.
At the same time, the spokesperson of the US Foreign Secretary said in a press conference in Washington that whenever the rulers of Afghanistan want to achieve global legitimacy, they must stop the violence and fulfill their international obligations.
“As we have said on behalf of the United States to the Taliban [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan] in public and in private, their relationship with the international community depends entirely on their actions, and we will be looking to see them take a different course of action than they have to date,” said Matthew Miller, spokesman for the US State Department.
Meanwhile, IEA’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that any country, including America, who wants to resume its diplomatic activities in Afghanistan, welcomes it and is ready to cooperate in this direction.
“If we are contacted, we will take our measures, security is ensured, every country that activates its embassy and consulate in Afghanistan has a favorable environment for it, and we do not have any problems, and it is still getting better that both countries have a close understanding and contact through diplomatic channels, and it will end in the benefit of both countries,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate.
This strategic document of the US Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveals the reopening of that country’s consulate in Afghanistan, while no country has recognized the current government of Afghanistan.
However, the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly emphasized that it has completed all the conditions for recognition, but countries and the international community are looking for excuses.
Sources told Ariana News that talks between the Islamic Emirate delegation and European Union representatives in Brussels concluded on Tuesday.
According to the sources, both sides discussed the resumption of consular services for Afghans across Europe, the need for confidence-building measures, the expansion of consular presence, and ensuring a dignified process for the return of Afghan citizens.
The delegation, led by Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, traveled to Brussels with representatives from the Ministry of Interior also included in the delegation.
This marks the first time that a delegation from the Islamic Emirate has been officially invited by the European Union to Brussels and engaged in direct talks with European representatives.
Participants described the discussions as constructive and expressed hope that the process will pave the way for positive developments and help safeguard the consular rights of Afghans living in Europe.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works has signed a contract worth more than AFN 1.25 billion for the reconstruction of a 15-kilometer section of the strategically important Salang Highway in Southern Salang, as part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate one of the country’s most vital transport corridors.
The ministry said the project, valued at AFN 1.252 billion, will cover a section of the highway stretching from Olang to Jabal al-Siraj. Construction work is expected to begin in the near future.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, Minister of Public Works Mohammad Isa Sani described the Salang Highway as one of Afghanistan’s most important economic arteries, emphasizing the need for the project to be implemented on time and in accordance with technical standards and quality requirements.
According to the ministry, the 15-kilometer road section, which has a width of 12 meters, will undergo full rehabilitation and asphalt paving. The project also includes the construction of five new culverts, the widening of 33 existing culverts, and the construction of 600 meters of roadside drainage channels.
The ministry noted that reconstruction work on the Southern Salang section from the Salang Tunnel to Olang is being carried out using concrete pavement. A significant portion of that work has already been completed, while the remaining construction is still underway.
Officials added that the broader Salang Highway rehabilitation program is progressing across three sections: Southern Salang, Northern Salang, and the Khinjan–Doshi route. Major infrastructure, including the tunnel, galleries, and vulnerable sections of the highway, has already undergone extensive reconstruction using three layers of concrete.
The Salang Highway is one of Afghanistan’s most critical transportation and transit routes, linking the country’s northern provinces with Kabul. It plays a key role in facilitating the movement of people, commercial goods, and agricultural products across the country.
International Sports
Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina reach knockout stage
The record-breaking performance continued a remarkable run for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches and leads the Golden Boot race with five goals.
Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career on Monday, becoming the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history as Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria and booked their place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 tournament.
The Argentine captain scored both goals in a hard-fought Group J encounter, taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals and surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16.
Just days before his 39th birthday, Messi delivered when it mattered most, despite seeing an early penalty saved. His brace ensured defending champions Argentina maintained their perfect start to the tournament and qualified for the Round of 32 with a game to spare.
The record-breaking performance continued a remarkable run for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches and leads the Golden Boot race with five goals.
Nearly 20 years after making his World Cup debut, Messi is once again at the centre of football history, proving that age has done little to diminish his extraordinary influence on the game’s biggest stage.
As the race for the trophy heats up, fans across Afghanistan can tune in live to Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) to watch the thrilling event. For updated schedules, highlights and information, fans can follow Ariana Television and Ariana News’ social media platforms.
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