Iran has released Dena Karari, a dual US-Iranian citizen who had been held since December 2024, according to an announcement by US President Donald Trump. Trump shared the news on Truth Social, stating that Karari is “now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition.” He described her release as a gesture of goodwill from Iran.
Jared Genser, Karari’s lawyer, confirmed her safety and noted that she is currently on her way back to the United States. He attributed her release to the efforts of the Trump administration, which played a key role in negotiating her freedom.
Karari’s ordeal began in 2024 when she traveled to Iran to visit her family. Shortly after, she was prevented from leaving the country. The situation worsened following US and Israeli military actions against Iran in 2025, which led to Iranian authorities charging her with espionage.
The release of Karari occurs amid a period of increased tensions between the United States and Iran. Her detention and subsequent charges had been a point of contention as diplomatic relations between the two nations remained strained.