• Amir Amiri, a U.S. citizen, was released after nine months in Taliban custody.
• The release was facilitated by Qatari mediation and U.S. diplomatic efforts.
• He is the fifth American citizen released by the Taliban this year.
• Amiri is returning to the U.S. after initial medical checks in Qatar.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that more Americans remain unjustly detained.

Amir Amiri, an American citizen who had been detained in Afghanistan since December 2024, was released on Sunday following negotiations facilitated by Qatari diplomats and U.S. officials. This marks Amiri as the fifth U.S. citizen to be freed from Taliban captivity in 2025, highlighting ongoing issues surrounding American detainees in Afghanistan, according to CBS News, Dawn, and South China Morning Post.

The Taliban's foreign ministry confirmed the release of Amiri during a visit by U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler, stating that diplomacy remains central to resolving such issues. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi noted the importance of non-political resolutions to prisoner situations and thanked Qatar for its crucial role in the negotiations, as reported by Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the news of Amiri's release, describing him as wrongfully detained. Rubio underscored the commitment of the U.S. government to ensuring the return of all American citizens unjustly held abroad while acknowledging that several other Americans, like Mahmood Habibi, remain detained in Afghanistan, according to ABC News and The Hill.

Amiri’s release comes after extensive negotiations that began in March 2025, involving multiple meetings between him and U.S. officials. The breakthrough leading to his freedom was reached just recently, marking a significant step in diplomatic relations, particularly as Qatar continues to play a key role in facilitating these processes. This was distinct from previous arrangements, confirming no quid pro quo exchange was involved in securing his release, as noted by Reuters and BBC.