In a recent outreach, President Joe Biden spoke with the families of three Americans detained by the Taliban, emphasizing his commitment to their safe return. This communication took place amid ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Taliban officials regarding a potential prisoner exchange (South China Morning Post, CBS News).

The detained Americans—Ryan Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmood Habibi—have been held since 2022. In a approximately 30-minute phone call, Biden delivered the challenging news that no deal had yet been finalized for their release, although U.S. officials claimed a significant offer was made in prior discussions in Doha. The president reassured the families of his administration's determination to secure the release of their loved ones, who are described as wrongfully or unjustly held.

During the call, Ahmad Shah Habibi, Mahmood's brother, expressed gratitude for Biden's clear stance against trading detainees without reciprocal actions from the Taliban. "President Biden was very clear in telling us that he would not trade Rahim if the Taliban do not let my brother go," Ahmad noted. The Taliban, which claims not to have custody of Mahmood, has insisted on a broader exchange including other detainees (South China Morning Post).

The discussions come as the Taliban has publicly stated their willingness to negotiate a prisoner exchange involving Muhammad Rahim al-Afghani, currently held at Guantanamo Bay. This particular case is sensitive; officials within the U.S. intelligence community raise concerns about the implications of releasing Rahim, suggesting he may still pose a threat. The Taliban has been adamant about exchanging him for the three detained Americans, though Biden has remained firm on the conditions of such a deal (CBS News).

Since the Taliban regained control over Afghanistan, the U.S. has sought to navigate a complex landscape of negotiations, following the chaotic withdrawal of troops in 2021. Biden has previously facilitated the return of numerous Americans unjustly detained in various countries, asserting that he will continue to pursue the safe return of these detainees throughout his presidency.

As discussions progress, the families remain hopeful yet anxious for updates. The president's recent reassurances have been echoed by national security officials, reinforcing the U.S. government's commitment to prioritizing the release of detained Americans, despite the ongoing challenges posed by the Taliban's demands.

For further details, visit the original articles at SCMP and CBS News.