US Officials Engage Taliban in Kabul Over American Detainees

United States officials met with Taliban representatives in Kabul to discuss the situation of Americans held in Afghanistan. The talks included Adam Boehler, the former special envoy for hostage response under the Trump administration, and Zalmay Khalilzad, a former US special envoy for Afghanistan. They engaged with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, to address ongoing issues surrounding detainees.

According to a statement from the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both parties emphasized the importance of continuing discussions on various bilateral issues, particularly regarding citizens imprisoned in each other’s countries. The meeting reflects an ongoing dialogue between the two parties since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

Key Detainees and Previous Engagements

One notable case is that of Mahmood Habibi, a naturalized US citizen and businessman previously involved in telecommunications in Kabul. He is considered the highest-profile American detainee, although the Taliban denies holding him. The US government continues to seek clarity on his status.

The Taliban has also reportedly advocated for the release of Muhammad Rahim, the last Afghan national imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay. Rahim has been held without charge since 2008, and his case was part of the discussions during the recent meeting.

The last delegation from the US visited Afghanistan in March 2025, resulting in the release of another American detained for over two years. That agreement, mediated by Qatar, was characterized by the Taliban as a “humanitarian” gesture and indicative of goodwill between the two sides.

In a previous prisoner exchange, US citizens Ryan Corbett and William Wallace McKenty were released in return for an Afghan national serving two life sentences in the United States. These exchanges highlight the often complex and sensitive nature of negotiations between the US and the Taliban.

Continued Diplomatic Efforts

Despite the ongoing talks and exchanges, the Taliban administration remains unrecognized by Washington. The latest discussions illustrate both parties’ willingness to engage on pressing issues but also underscore the challenges faced in establishing consistent communication.

The absence of an immediate statement from Washington following the meeting indicates the delicate nature of these diplomatic efforts. As the US continues to seek information on its detained citizens, it remains to be seen how these discussions will evolve and impact future relations between the two entities.