Iran releases American citizen detained since Dec 2024

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, that Iran has released an American citizen who had been detained since December 2024 and allowed her to leave the country. In a social media post, Trump said the woman is now safely outside Iran and in good condition, calling the move a "gesture of goodwill" from Tehran.

The released individual was identified by her lawyer, Jared Genser, as Dena Karari, a U.S. citizen. Genser stated that Karari had been "trapped in Iran" on what he described as "bogus and politically motivated" charges for roughly 19 months. He credited Trump's "extraordinary and relentless efforts" for securing her freedom, adding that she is now traveling back to the United States. The Iranian government has not publicly commented on the release.

Public details regarding Karari's profession or the specific circumstances of her initial detention remain limited. One report from last August indicated an Iranian-American dual national working for a U.S. technology company and running a children's charity had been detained in December 2024, later facing espionage charges and travel restrictions, though it is unclear if this refers to Karari.