Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, says that pressure exerted by the United States on the United Nations and a number of countries has hindered the process of formally recognizing the Taliban government.
In a recent interview, Mujahid said that Washington has asked the United Nations and some countries to refrain from formal engagement with Kabul.
According to Mujahid, some countries are still under the influence of major global powers, and as a result, there has been no significant progress in expanding political and diplomatic relations with Kabul.
Mujahid said that the Taliban government wants to expand relations with all countries based on shared economic and mutual interests, adding that Afghanistan’s foreign policy is largely based on economic cooperation and national interests.
He stressed that Kabul seeks normal and constructive engagement with the international community.
The Taliban government has remained in power since 2021, but its recognition by the international community remains subject to political and legal debates. Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in July 2025.
