The U.S. President Donald Trump has conditionally approved a peace deal with the Taliban group, more than a year after Washington entered into direct peace negotiations with the Taliban political leaders.

Afghan and American officials privy of the development have told The New York Times that deal will only be signed if Taliban prove their commitment to a durable reduction of violence.
The officials further added that Taliban group will have to prove its commitment over a test period of about seven days later this month in a bid to pave the way for the signing of the deal.
The deal, if signed, will result in gradual withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan and the subsequent launch of direct negotiations between Taliban and Afghan leaders.
A senior Taliban leader has also confirmed to Times that were positive movements during the latest round of negotiations with the U.S. representatives.
This comes as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday apprised Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah about the developments in U.S.-Taliban peace talks focused on reduction of violence.
The Office of Chief Executive said in a statement that Secretary Pompeo apprised Chief Executive Abdullah about the developments during a telephone conversation.
The statement further added that Secretary Pompeo expressed hopes that the recent developments would pave the way for the signing of a bilateral agreement, launch of intra-Afghan talks and attainment of eternal peace in Afghanistan, the statement added.