WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Iran had released an American citizen who had been prevented from leaving the country since late 2024, describing the move as a "gesture of goodwill" amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over the expanding regional conflict.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the woman had been "wrongfully detained" since December 2024 and was "now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition." He thanked Iran for what he called a goodwill gesture but did not initially identify the individual or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding her release.
Shortly afterward, human rights lawyer Jared Genser identified the released American as his client, Dena Karari, an Iranian-American dual national. Genser said Karari had been unable to leave Iran for more than a year after authorities imposed an exit ban and later accused her of espionage and collaboration with a hostile power. He said the allegations were unfounded and that she had now departed the country and was traveling back to the United States.
According to Genser, Karari had not been continuously held in prison but remained under severe restrictions, including repeated interrogations and a prohibition on leaving Iran after traveling there to visit family in December 2024. Her case drew attention from U.S. officials and advocates for Americans detained or prevented from departing Iran.
Iranian authorities had not immediately issued a public statement confirming the release or commenting on Trump's announcement.
The release comes at a time of sharply escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Trump has ordered renewed military operations against Iranian targets in recent days, while Washington has increased pressure on Tehran following the collapse of earlier diplomatic efforts aimed at easing hostilities.
Karari's release marks one of the few publicly reported humanitarian developments during the current crisis. Analysts have noted that Iran has previously released foreign or dual-national detainees during periods of diplomatic engagement, although no official link between Karari's departure and broader negotiations was immediately confirmed.
Genser welcomed the development and called for the release of any remaining Americans detained or otherwise prevented from leaving Iran. U.S. officials have not announced whether additional prisoner or detainee discussions are underway.
