U.S. Citizen Dena Karari Released from Iran Detention

A U.S. citizen who had been held in Iran since 2024 has been released. President Donald Trump and the citizen’s lawyer confirmed the news on Wednesday evening.

In a post on Truth Social, President 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!” The post did not specify the individual’s name.

Trump referred to the release as a “gesture of Goodwill by Iran”. This follows his recent increase in pressure on Iran and the approval of multiple rounds of U.S. strikes.

Jared Genser, a human rights lawyer with experience in cases concerning U.S. citizens detained in Iran, identified the released individual as Dena Karari, one of his clients. On X, Genser expressed his satisfaction, writing, “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.” Genser credited President Trump’s “extraordinary and relentless efforts” for her release, affirming that Karari is safe and en route to the United States.

In a detailed news release, Genser explained that Karari faced a “coercive exit ban” and was “never physically detained”, though she had been “interrogated dozens of times” by Iran’s Intelligence Ministry. This was due to her involvement with the Children of Mehr Foundation, a nonprofit organization aiding impoverished children with support from private donors and a license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Treasury Department.

Genser also called on Iran to revoke charges against local workers affiliated with the foundation. Presently, up to five additional Americans remain detained in Iran, including Reza Valizadeh and Kamran Hekmati, both recognized by the State Department as having been wrongfully detained.