Trump says Iran has released US citizen detained since 2024
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Iran has released an American citizen 'wrongfully detained' since December 2024. The woman, Dena Karari, is now safe and traveling back to the United States, her lawyer confirmed.
US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Iran has released an American citizen 'wrongfully detained' since December 2024. In a social media post, Trump wrote that the woman is now safely outside Iran and in good condition, thanking Iran for the 'gesture of goodwill.' The announcement came as the US launched fresh strikes on Iran.
The woman was identified as Dena Karari, a dual American and Iranian citizen. Her lawyer, Jared Genser, confirmed on social media that Karari, who was banned from leaving Iran after visiting her family in 2024, is now safe and traveling back to the United States. Genser credited Trump's 'extraordinary and relentless efforts' for the release.
According to a New York Times report, Karari was initially imprisoned and prevented from leaving Iran in December 2024, but was later released from custody. However, after the US joined Israel in bombing Iran in 2025, she was charged with espionage. Karari works for an American technology company and runs a charity for underprivileged children in Iran. Genser, a human rights lawyer known as 'the extractor,' has helped free over 340 prisoners of conscience from 20 countries over the past two decades.
