A U.S. citizen detained in Iran since 2024 has been released. This announcement was made by both former President Donald Trump and her lawyer on Wednesday evening.
On Truth Social, Trump stated, “Iran has allowed an American Citizen, who was wrongfully detained in December of 2024 under the ‘presidency’ of Sleepy Joe Biden, to leave the Country. She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition. The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!” He did not name the individual at the time.
The former President described the release as a “gesture of Goodwill by Iran!” He has increased pressure on Iran recently, including authorizing several rounds of U.S. strikes.
Jared Genser, a human rights lawyer, identified the released citizen as Dena Karari, one of his clients. “I am delighted and excited to report that my client U.S. citizen #DenaKarari, who had been trapped in #Iran since December 2024 on bogus charges is now free,” Genser shared on X. “This would not have happened but for the extraordinary and relentless efforts of President @realDonaldTrump. Dena is now safe and traveling back to the United States.”
In a news release, Genser explained that Karari had faced a “coercive exit ban” but was “never physically detained.” She was interrogated on numerous occasions by Iran’s Intelligence Ministry due to her role in a nonprofit organization called the Children of Mehr Foundation. This organization aimed to assist impoverished children in Iran with support from private donors and an OFAC license, which refers to approval from the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Genser also called on Iran to dismiss charges against Iranians associated with the foundation.
Meanwhile, it is known that as many as five other Americans are currently detained in Iran. Among them are Reza Valizadeh and Kamran Hekmati, both publicly recognized by the State Department as being wrongfully detained.
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