President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Iran had agreed to release an American citizen who had been “wrongfully detained” since December 2024. “She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, without initially naming the woman. “The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!”
Identity of Released US Citizen
The freed individual is Dena Karari, a dual American and Iranian citizen, according to her lawyer Jared Genser. Genser posted on social media that he was “excited to report” that Karari, who was banned from leaving Iran after visiting her family in 2024, “is now safe and traveling back to the United States.” He added that “this would not have happened but for the extraordinary and relentless efforts” of President Trump.
Background on Detention
The New York Times reported last year that Karari, an Iranian American woman, was first imprisoned and prevented from leaving the country in December 2024. She was later released from custody but faced travel restrictions. Karari “works for an American technological company and runs a charity for underprivileged children in Iran,” according to the report. After the US joined Israel in bombing Iran in 2025, she was charged with espionage.
Timing of Announcement
Trump’s announcement came as the US launched fresh strikes on Iran, underscoring the complex geopolitical context. The release is seen as a goodwill gesture amid heightened tensions.
Lawyer’s Expertise
Jared Genser, the human rights lawyer representing Karari, is known as “the extractor.” According to a 2023 Guardian profile, Genser has managed to free over 340 prisoners of conscience from 20 countries over the past two decades.
