US soldiers in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Photo: AFP/ VNA)

O'Brien told CBS News that if the Taliban does not live up to their agreement on the reduction of violence plan,  the US will take a very careful look at the matter and is not going to reduce troops to a level below what is necessary to protect American interests and their partners in Afghanistan.

Peace talks between the US and the Taliban began in 2018 but have been interrupted at least twice after Taliban attacks on US military personnel in September and December last year. The US and the Afghan Taliban said on Friday that they are set to sign an agreement on Saturday after the implementation of a week-long reduction of violence  in Afghanistan.