US envoy warns Taliban to release detained Americans or face fate like Venezuela and Iran

Adam Boehler, US President Trump's representative on hostage affairs, warned the Taliban on Monday to release three detained American citizens, threatening consequences similar to those faced by Venezuela and Iran.

Boehler, who has visited Afghanistan at least twice and previously secured the release of some detained Americans, posted on X that the United States will no longer tolerate any country holding its citizens hostage. He stated, "It is time to release them. Otherwise, by testing the President, Secretary Rubio, and Seb Gorka, you will become the next Venezuela or Iran. Good luck!"

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Afghanistan has been added to the State Department's list of countries that unlawfully detain Americans. Rubio said the Taliban uses terrorist methods to gain political leverage, but this approach will not succeed against the current US administration.

Both Afghanistan International and Hasht-e Subh reported Boehler's warning, with the former noting it aligns with Washington's diplomacy of threats and pressure. Afghanistan International also stated this is the first time a US official has threatened the Taliban administration with military action, though the context references pressures applied to Venezuela and Iran.

The Taliban reportedly seeks the release of an Afghan prisoner in exchange for the Americans and has called for the US to reopen its embassy in Kabul and improve relations.

Hasht-e Subh described the Taliban as a group supporting unlawful detentions, echoing Rubio's announcement.