WASHINGTON, D.C. July 15, 2026 – President Donald Trump announced Wednesday evening that Iran has allowed an American citizen, who was wrongfully detained since December 2024, to leave the country and return safely to the United States. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the move as a “gesture of goodwill” by Tehran and expressed appreciation on behalf of the United States.
“She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition,” Trump wrote. “The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!”
The released individual was later identified as Dena Karari, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen and humanitarian worker. Her attorney, Jared Genser, confirmed the news on X, stating that Karari had been “trapped in Iran since December 2024 on bogus charges” and is now free and traveling back to the United States.
Karari operated the Children of Mehr Foundation, a U.S.-registered nonprofit that provided support to impoverished children in Iran using private donations and an OFAC license. She was detained in December 2024 after traveling to Iran to visit family and manage the charity’s work.
Iranian authorities charged her with espionage and collaboration with a hostile state — allegations her lawyer described as fabricated. She was reportedly released on bail but remained under a coercive exit ban that prevented her from leaving the country. During her ordeal, she was interrogated dozens of times by Iranian intelligence officials and endured significant physical and psychological hardship, though she was not held in physical detention for the entire period.
Genser credited President Trump’s efforts for securing her release and called on Iran to drop remaining charges against local staff of the foundation and to free other wrongfully detained Americans and political prisoners.
The release comes amid ongoing military tensions between the United States and Iran. It marks a notable unilateral gesture by Tehran rather than a formal prisoner swap or sanctions-related deal.
Trump’s announcement highlighted that the detention began during the previous administration, framing the release as a positive step. Karari’s case adds to a long history of dual nationals and Americans being held in Iran on security-related charges, which Washington has consistently described as wrongful.
Her lawyer noted that Karari needs time to rest and recuperate before speaking publicly. The U.S. government has not yet released additional official statements beyond Trump’s social media post.
This development represents a rare moment of de-escalation in an otherwise strained relationship, though broader diplomatic and security issues between the two nations remain unresolved.
About The Author
