Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, said that the best path forward in US-Afghan relations is diplomatic engagement and addressing shared concerns and interests.

This comes amid speculation about a possible deal with the Trump administration regarding leftover US weapons in Afghanistan.

In an interview with CBS News, Balkhi responded to remarks by former President Trump, who suggested that Afghanistan’s frozen central bank assets could be exchanged for US weapons. Balkhi firmly rejected this, saying the funds belonged to the Afghan people and were unjustly frozen.

“Those assets are the assets of the state of Afghanistan and states don't give away their assets to other states. People don't make deals on the assets of the states they make agreements through long, long conversations through dialogue and engagement ... we had it with the Trump administration previously and we would like to have that dialogue continue in the future,” he said.

Balkhi emphasized that if normal relations are established, both sides could cooperate on mutual interests. He stated that the Islamic Emirate has no objection to the US reopening its embassy in Kabul, and in turn, wishes to reopen its embassy in Washington and consulate in New York, citing the need for consular services for the Afghan diaspora.

“We would like to reopen our embassy in Washington, and we have no objection to the US reopening theirs in Kabul,” he said.

On the topic of security, Balkhi stressed that Afghanistan poses no threat to other nations and that ISIS has no stronghold in the country. He emphasized continued engagement with the US on security, humanitarian aid, and other areas to ensure that mutual commitments are honored.

In response to a question about potential cooperation with the US government on Afghanistan’s natural resources, Balkhi said: “Our doors are open to all, we seek to open a new chapter with everyone including the United States of America.”

When asked about the educational restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, Balkhi responded that “It's the sovereign prerogative of states on how they pursue these issues.”

“It's the sovereign prerogative of states on what laws and rules they decide,” he said.

Balkhi reiterated the Islamic Emirate’s desire to negotiate with the Trump administration on shared interests, including human rights and trade, signaling a willingness to engage with the international community despite criticism over internal policies.