US signals shift in Taliban ties, may reopen Kabul embassy: Report 

his move signals growing goodwill between the Taliban and US leadership, especially with President Donald Trump.

Signalling a shift in the US-Taliban relations, the United States is reportedly preparing to re-engage with the Taliban, with indications that Washington may reopen its Kabul embassy, reported News18.

According to the report, citing government sources, this move signals growing goodwill between the Taliban and US leadership, especially with President Donald Trump.

Direct engagement with the Taliban and the Haqqani network is essential for the Trump administration to counter ISIS-K (Islamic State – Khorasan Province), which is the biggest security threat to Afghanistan and US interests in the region.

According to the report, backchannel discussions have reportedly taken place between the US and the Haqqanis, a faction within the Taliban known for its independent power base in Kabul. Once seen as an asset of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Haqqani Network is increasingly charting its course.

The diplomatic thaw was further fueled after a prisoner swap in which the US released a Taliban detainee, Khan Mohammad, in exchange for two American nationals, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty. This move can be seen as a step towards better relations with the US.

Pakistan's fallout

Having historically played a massive role in Afghan affairs, Pakistan is now facing a decline in their influence as the Taliban asserts independence. However, with the Taliban now engaging Washington directly, Pakistan’s strategic leverage is waning, the report stated.

Adding to Islamabad’s concerns, the Taliban have refused to act against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. Sirajuddin Haqqani, Afghanistan’s Interior Minister and a key Taliban leader, has publicly opposed Pakistan on multiple security issues, further straining ties between the two.

The report further said that the US has unfrozen a portion of Afghan central bank reserves—approximately $3.5 billion—providing indirect economic relief to the Taliban regime. Organisations like the World Bank and UN agencies are also resuming limited aid operations, reducing Afghanistan’s financial dependence on Pakistan.

US removes Haqqanis from bounty list

The United States has lifted its $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Taliban leader Sirajuddin Haqqani, according to an Afghan interior ministry spokesperson, CNN-News18 reported on Saturday.

Sources told CNN-News18 that this move could indicate a potential deal between the Haqqanis and the administration of former US President Donald Trump.

Previously, the US State Department had offered rewards of $10 million for Sirajuddin Haqqani, $5 million for Abdul Aziz Haqqani, and $5 million for Yahya Haqqani under the Rewards for Justice program.

The Haqqani Network, which the US designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, has long been accused of orchestrating attacks on American and coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Sirajuddin Haqqani currently serves as Afghanistan’s first deputy leader and acting interior minister in the Taliban-led government. His faction was previously on Washington’s radar for its involvement in high-profile attacks, including the 2008 bombing of the Serena Hotel in Kabul, which killed six people, including a US citizen.

“Sirajuddin Haqqani’s role in the Afghan government is crucial in shaping the country’s relationship with the US,” a source told CNN-News18, highlighting the evolving dynamics between Washington and the Taliban administration.

Another source suggested that the US decision may be linked to Haqqani’s role in securing the release of American citizens through negotiations with Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation.