Al-Qaeda Chief Saif al-Adl Seeks Taliban Approval to Relocate Leadership to Afghanistan

Sources claim that Saif al-Adl, the current leader of Al-Qaeda, has reached out to Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada regarding a potential temporary relocation of al-Qaeda’s leadership base to Afghanistan.

According to the report, Saif al-Adl conveyed his message through a letter sent to Kandahar approximately three weeks ago, seeking “guidance” from the Taliban leadership amid growing regional uncertainty.

Concerns Linked to Iran and Regional Escalation

The letter reportedly outlines al-Qaeda’s concern that a possible collapse or destabilisation of the Iran under pressure from the United States and Israel could force the group to relocate its leadership.

In that scenario, the letter suggests, al-Qaeda would have little choice but to move its command structure to conflict zones such as Iraq or Syria. Until conditions become clearer, Afghanistan is described as a possible temporary base, subject to Taliban approval.

Taliban Caution and Historical Sensitivities

Sources say Saif al-Adl explicitly assured the Taliban that al-Qaeda does not wish to repeat past actions that led to international intervention and the collapse of the Taliban’s first government after the 9/11 attacks.

Al-Qaeda’s leadership was headquartered in Afghanistan before 2001, a presence that directly triggered the U.S.-led invasion and the Taliban’s removal from power. That history remains a core strategic concern for the current Taliban government, which seeks international legitimacy and sanctions relief.

According to Afghanistan International, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has not yet taken a decision on the request and is reportedly waiting to see how Iran’s internal and regional situation evolves.

How the Letter Was Delivered

The message was reportedly delivered to Kandahar by Mohammad Hakim, the Taliban governor of Panjshir, along with an individual identified as Abdul Rahman Wardak. The method of delivery suggests the matter is being handled with discretion at senior Taliban levels.

Saif al-Adl’s Background and Status

According to United Nations monitoring reports, Saif al-Adl assumed leadership of al-Qaeda after Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Kabul in 2022.

A former Federal Bureau of Investigation official has stated that Saif al-Adl has been residing in Iran since 2003, living under varying degrees of restriction. He has been on the U.S. wanted list since 2021.

Born in Egypt and now 66 years old, Saif al-Adl has used multiple aliases, including Mohammed Salah al-Din Zidan, Mohammed Ibrahim Makkawi, and Ibrahim al-Madani. According to reports, a photograph released by U.S. authorities as part of his wanted profile was taken in Tehran in 2012.

Strategic Implications

If confirmed, the outreach highlights the continued strategic interdependence between al-Qaeda and the Taliban despite repeated Taliban assurances that Afghan soil will not be used against other countries.

For regional and Western intelligence agencies, the episode reinforces concerns that Afghanistan could once again emerge as a permissive environment for transnational militant networks—particularly if geopolitical pressures reshape safe havens elsewhere.

At the same time, the Taliban’s apparent hesitation reflects an awareness that accommodating al-Qaeda leadership could jeopardise its fragile engagement with the international community.