It remains unclear what the Taliban receive in exchange for releasing U.S. nationals, amid Afghanistan's ongoing economic and humanitarian crises, which have been worsened by declining aid and recent natural disasters.

Mahmood Habibi, another U.S. citizen detained by the Taliban for over three years, remains in custody, with his family hopeful for his release and a $5 million reward offered for information on his whereabouts.

Qatar's strong partnership with the US played a crucial role in securing Amiry's release, reflecting the importance of diplomatic relations, despite the US closing its embassy in Afghanistan after the Taliban's return.

The US has previously exchanged prisoners, including a notable swap in January involving two Americans and a Taliban fighter, as part of ongoing efforts to secure the release of detained nationals.

This recent release underscores the ongoing diplomatic negotiations and the complex, tense relationship between the US and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, with continued efforts to secure the freedom of detained Americans.

An American man, Amir Amiry, who had been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since December 2024, was released after months of negotiations involving Qatar, and he has now returned to the US with the support of diplomats, with the Taliban stating they do not view foreign nationals from a political perspective.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the release as a demonstration of the U.S. government's resolve to protect its citizens abroad, even as details about Amiry's case remain largely undisclosed.

This marks the fifth American released from Taliban detention in Afghanistan in 2025, following previous exchanges and negotiations, including prisoner swaps earlier this year.

The US State Department confirmed Amiry's release, and a diplomatic source indicated he is now en route back to the United States.

The release was facilitated by a rare diplomatic visit by US envoy Boehler to Kabul, where discussions about prisoner exchanges with the Taliban took place, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Despite the release, the situation in Afghanistan remains tense, with the US showing continued interest in regaining control of Bagram Air Base, which the Taliban have rejected, and concerns about ongoing detentions, including that of Mahmood Habibi, a U.S. citizen held for over three years.

Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, Afghanistan has faced international sanctions, restrictions, and a worsening humanitarian crisis, with many foreigners arrested and the US and other nations maintaining a cautious stance.