The US is reconsidering the status of the Taliban as a terrorist organization amid the release of Americans in Afghanistan. This was stated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to RIA Novosti.

During a hearing in the lower house of Congress, Rubio was asked whether the US authorities recognize the Taliban as a “foreign terrorist organization” (FTO). “I believe that this status is now being reviewed again because, as you know, over the past few weeks we have achieved some success in securing the release of some detained Americans,” he replied.

The Taliban currently has terrorist status in the US - Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). If the organization is put on the FTO list, it will face more severe legal consequences.

On May 15, during his address to US military personnel at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Trump said that the US would retain its Bagram base in Afghanistan. After that, Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Naim Wardak said that Afghanistan considers Trump's statement about wanting to return to Bagram Air Base absurd.