U.S. Citizen Released from Iran After Long Detention

A U.S. citizen, held in Iran since 2024, has secured freedom. President Donald Trump and her attorney made the announcement separately on Wednesday evening.

In a Truth Social post, Trump stated, “Iran has allowed an American Citizen, who was wrongfully detained in December of 2024 under the ‘presidency’ of Sleepy Joe Biden, to leave the Country. She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition. The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!” He did not disclose her name.

Trump’s message indicated the release reflected Iran’s goodwill. He has recently increased pressure on Iran, including authorizing new U.S. military actions.

Jared Genser, a human rights lawyer with experience in cases of U.S. citizens detained in Iran, identified the released individual as Dena Karari, one of his clients.

“I am delighted and excited to report that my client U.S. citizen #DenaKarari, who had been trapped in #Iran since December 2024 on bogus charges is now free,” he said on X. “This would not have happened but for the extraordinary and relentless efforts of President @realDonaldTrump. Dena is now safe and traveling back to the United States.”

Genser explained in a news release that Karari faced a “coercive exit ban” but was never physically detained. Iranian authorities interrogated her numerous times due to her involvement with the nonprofit Children of Mehr Foundation.

According to Genser, the foundation supported impoverished Iranian children through private donations and an OFAC license, referring to the Office of Foreign Assets Control at the U.S. Treasury Department.

He also urged Iran to dismiss charges against Iranian staff of the foundation.

Currently, as many as five other Americans remain detained in Iran. Among them are Reza Valizadeh and Kamran Hekmati, both recognized as wrongfully detained by the State Department.