More capitals fall in the face of Taliban offensive

Embassy staff has been instructed to destroy sensitive materials

The new sanctions could hinder potential negotiations with Iran

The measures are Biden's third round of Cuba sanctions

Wendy Sherman recently visited China and held talks with top officials

Kabul is clearly in Taliban sights as offensive mounts

Western powers are beginning to accept that the Taliban will lead any future Afghan government

12 provincial capitals have fallen in week-long push

Officials told <I>NBC News</I> that the US is launching between one and five airstrikes in Afghanistan each day

US holds up possibility of Taliban getting US foreign aid in the future as incentive

The US has been warning that if the Taliban takes control of Afghanistan by force, the government wouldn't be internationally recognized

The Taliban have said they want President Ghani to step down

Officials say the US is preparing for the possibility that the Afghan government collapse within 30 days

This iteration of the annual SEACAT drills is the largest to date as the US is increasing focus on the region to counter China

Officials relocate valuable prisoners away from city