Trump Announces Iran Has Released Wrongfully Detained American Citizen

President Trump announced that Iran has released an American citizen who had been wrongfully detained since December 2024, calling the move a “gesture of goodwill” by Tehran amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the woman is now safely outside Iran and in good condition. He thanked Iran for what he described as a humanitarian gesture but did not initially identify the former detainee by name.

The woman was later identified as Dena Karari, an Iranian-American who had been prevented from leaving Iran since December 2024. Her attorney, Jared Genser, said she had faced what he described as “bogus charges” and confirmed she was safely en route back to the United States.

Trump credited his administration’s diplomatic efforts for securing Karari’s release and said he hopes the development could encourage further progress despite the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran. The announcement came as the United States continued military operations against Iran following the collapse of ceasefire negotiations.

According to the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, at least two other Americans remain wrongfully detained in Iran. The administration has said it will continue working to secure their release while maintaining pressure on the Iranian regime.

The release comes during one of the most volatile periods in U.S.-Iran relations in years, with American forces carrying out additional strikes against Iranian military targets and Tehran launching retaliatory attacks against U.S. allies in the region. Despite the escalating conflict, officials said Karari’s release could represent a rare diplomatic opening between the two countries.