As the world grapples with the consequences of the illegal and unjust war imposed on Iran, the US is equally attentive to its interests in Afghanistan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Afghanistan as a "State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention" (March 10). "The Taliban continue to use terrorist tactics to seek policy concessions, but it won't work under this administration. The Taliban must release Dennis Coyle, Mahmood Habibi, and all Americans unjustly detained," Rubio said.

Adam Boehler, the Special Envoy for Hostage Response, followed up with a stern warning. "Afghanistan currently holds three innocent Americans. It is time to release them. Or become the next Venezuela/Iran. Good luck with that," read Boehler's post on X.

This was by far the strongest indication that Washington's patience with the Kabul regime has worn thin. "We cannot tolerate any nation holding Americans," said Boehler, who had negotiated and secured the release of an American citizen, Amir Amiri, on September 28 last year.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has confirmed they are holding two US nationals in custody, identified by US officials as Dennis Walter Coyle, an academic, and Polynesis Jackson, a former US soldier. However, he has consistently denied that Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American, is among the foreign prisoners in Afghanistan. Habibi, who was detained by Taliban intelligence agents shortly after a US drone strike killed Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul, is suspected of being involved in the operation. Washington insists that Habibi remains in Taliban custody, and US........

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