"In the current situation, the remobilisation of our security and defence forces is our top priority, and serious steps are being taken in this regard," he said in a televised speech.

He gave no hint he would resign or take responsibility for the current situation, but said "consultations" were taking place to try and end the war.

"As a historic mission, I will not let the imposed war on people cause more deaths," he said, appearing sombre and sitting before an Afghan flag.

"Therefore, I have started extensive consultations inside the government with the elders, political leaders, representatives of people, and international partners on achieving a reasonable and certain political solution in which the peace and stability of the people of Afghanistan are envisaged."

With the country's second and third-largest cities having fallen into Taliban hands, Kabul has effectively become a besieged last stand for government forces who have offered little or no resistance elsewhere.

But Ghani praised the forces "that have defended the nation courageously and showed strong determination".