“It was used for different purposes: operational, assistance to injured people, rental costs and other goals. This was efficient assistance and we appreciate it,” he said in a statement.

He added that the money had been delivered to Afghanistan’s National Security Council, which is part of the president’s office, during the last 10 years.

The New York Times report said: “Wads of American dollars packed into suitcases, backpacks and, on occasion, plastic shopping bags have been dropped off every month or so at the offices of Afghanistan’s president.” …

In 2010, Mr Karzai acknowledged that his office has received cash from Iran, but insists this was part of a “transparent” process. He said the money was not for an individual, but to help run the president’s office.