US President Donald Trump has announced that Dena Karari, a dual US-Iranian citizen who had been detained in Iran since December 2024, has been released. Trump described the move as a “gesture of goodwill” by the Iranian government despite growing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the American citizen had been “wrongfully detained” and confirmed that she was safely out of Iran.
“She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition,” Trump wrote. He also thanked Iran for facilitating her release, calling it a positive humanitarian gesture.
Although Trump did not mention Karari by name, her human rights lawyer, Jared Genser, later confirmed that she was the detainee who had been freed.
Dena Karari Was Detained During a Family Visit
Dena Karari travelled to Iran in 2024 to visit her family. However, authorities prevented her from leaving the country after her visit.
Her situation became more serious following the joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran in 2025. Iranian officials later accused her of espionage and formally charged her.
Before her detention, Karari worked for an American technology company. She was also actively involved in charitable work and operated an organisation that supported underprivileged children in Iran.
Lawyer Confirms Safe Return to the United States
Following the announcement, Jared Genser confirmed that Karari had been released and was on her way back to the United States.
Genser thanked President Trump and everyone involved in the diplomatic efforts that helped secure her freedom. He said the coordinated negotiations made it possible for Karari to leave Iran safely.
The lawyer has represented several political prisoners and detainees around the world over the past two decades. During his career, he has helped secure the release of more than 340 prisoners of conscience from over 20 countries.
Release Comes Amid Escalating US-Iran Conflict
Karari’s release comes at a time when relations between the United States and Iran remain highly strained.
On the same day Trump confirmed her release, the United States resumed military operations targeting Iran. American forces also continued enforcing a naval blockade in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes.
The renewed military activity follows months of heightened tensions between the two countries, raising concerns about regional stability.
Trump Calls Release a Positive Humanitarian Step
Despite the ongoing military confrontation, Trump described Karari’s release as a welcome humanitarian development.
He thanked the Iranian government for allowing her to leave the country safely and expressed hope that the move would be viewed as a constructive gesture.
While political and military tensions continue between Washington and Tehran, Karari’s release marks a rare moment of cooperation between the two governments.
Diplomatic Efforts Lead to Freedom
The successful release highlights the role of behind-the-scenes diplomatic negotiations in securing the freedom of detained foreign nationals.
Although neither government disclosed the details of the discussions, Karari’s return to the United States represents a significant outcome during a period of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
Her case had drawn attention from human rights advocates and diplomatic officials, who had repeatedly called for her release since her detention.