Trump says Iran has released American woman detained since 2024
Iran Frees American Citizen Dena Karari Amidst Ongoing Regional Tensions
Trump says Iran has released American – President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that an American woman who had been held captive in Iran since 2024 has been permitted to depart the nation. The release was confirmed by both the President and Karari’s legal representative based in the United States. According to Trump, Dena Karari had been unjustly imprisoned and was now “safely outside of Iran, and in good condition.” He shared his gratitude on Truth Social, writing that “The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!”
A Timely Departure During Military Operations
Karari’s freedom comes at a critical moment as American forces continue conducting strikes against Iranian targets. This military activity follows the breakdown of the memorandum of understanding that previously governed relations between the two nations. Jared Genser, the attorney representing Karari, described her successful exit as a “minor miracle.” He emphasized that this achievement was particularly remarkable given that she was leaving during active hostilities and while dealing with serious health complications.
Genser informed CNN that the 53-year-old Karari experienced a severe heart attack just days before her release. Medical professionals expressed considerable worry regarding her recovery and future wellbeing. Despite the urgency of her situation, Trump offered no further specifics about how the release was arranged or what conditions were involved.
From Traveler to Detainee
Before Wednesday, Karari’s situation had remained largely unknown to the public. She had journeyed to Iran specifically to visit relatives, according to Genser. When she arrived at the airport intending to return home, officials confiscated both her American and Iranian passports, preventing her departure. Approximately one month later, Iranian authorities stopped her and her family during a traffic encounter. She was briefly held and questioned for several hours.
Over time, Karari faced interrogation dozens of times and was placed under what Genser termed “a coercive exit ban.” The attorney explained that she became a target due to her leadership of the Children of Mehr Foundation, a charitable organization that provided assistance to underprivileged Iranian children. This foundation operated with private donor contributions and held proper authorization through an OFAC license.
Diplomatic Breakthrough
In April, circumstances changed unexpectedly. Genser noted that “for reasons we don’t entirely understand,” Karari’s exit restriction lapsed and she recovered her travel documents. She attempted to leave the country but was redirected back inside. Meanwhile, negotiations regarding the US-Iran memorandum of understanding were underway. Genser explained that his team “reached out obviously urgently to the White House and to the negotiators” to advocate for her case, believing it had been raised during discussions.
“Ultimately, earlier today, she’s able to get across the border” and finally exit Iran, he reported. Genser characterized Karari’s situation as “uniquely positioned” relative to other Americans still imprisoned in Iran. Unlike many detainees, she was not currently held in custody and her exit ban had expired. Additionally, while she faced accusations, no formal charges were filed against her. A source familiar with the matter told CNN that she had actually been detained, charged, and subsequently released on bail with the exit restriction in place.
Looking Ahead
Genser expressed confidence that Karari would share more information in the near future but emphasized that she requires time to recover. In a formal statement, he urged Iranian authorities to dismiss all outstanding charges against local staff members who supported the Children of Mehr Foundation. He also called for the liberation of all Americans wrongfully imprisoned and those subjected to restrictive exit bans, alongside Iranian political prisoners.
Several other Americans remain in Iranian custody, including Reza Valizadeh and Kamran Hekmati, both officially designated as wrongfully detained. A US official confirmed that the government was monitoring at least six American citizens held in Iran as of last month. Global Reach, the nonprofit advocating for Hekmati’s freedom, commended Karari’s release and highlighted Trump’s attention to Hekmati’s case at Evin prison. The organization expressed optimism that this development signals a potential release for Hekmati as well.
“I expect that Dena will have more to say in the coming days, but for now she needs to rest and recuperate,” Genser stated.
“They were doing everything they can and pushing from every direction they could,” Genser told CNN regarding the Trump administration’s efforts.