White House Nominates John Cole as Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs

The White House has named John Cole as the U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs.

According to U.S. officials, at least three American citizens are being held in Taliban-run prisons, and Washington considers securing their release one of its top priorities. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Cole will be responsible for negotiating the release of those individuals and other detained American citizens.

The White House said Cole will replace Adam Boehler as the president’s special envoy for hostage affairs. He previously served as the U.S. envoy on Belarus.

If confirmed by the Senate, the special envoy will negotiate with governments and various groups, including the Taliban administration, over the release of detained American citizens.