President Hamid Karzai has threatened to step down and join the Taliban if outside pressure for reform continues, Afghan lawmakers say.

It was the second time in recent days that Karzai had threatened to quit and join the Taliban, three MPs stated.

"Karzai said that 'if I come under foreign pressure, I might join the Taliban,'" Farooq Marenai, who represents the eastern province of Nangarhar, said on Monday.

"He said that rebelling would change to resistance," Marenai added.

The Afghan president reiterated his threat at a closed-door meeting with selected parliamentarians at a time when diplomatic tension between Karzai and the United States is increasing — just days after kicking up a diplomatic controversy with remarks alleging foreigners were behind the fraud in last year's disputed presidential election.

To read full Press TV story — Go Here Now.