Dena Karari, a dual citizen of the United States and Iran, has been released by Iranian authorities after being detained since December 2024, according to an announcement by US President Donald Trump. In a message shared on Truth Social, Trump expressed that Karari is now “safely outside of Iran, and in good condition.” He characterized her release as a gesture of goodwill from Iran.
Jared Genser, Karari’s lawyer, confirmed that she is secure and currently making her way back to the United States. He attributed her release to the efforts of the Trump administration, highlighting their role in the negotiation process.
The situation began when Karari traveled to Iran in 2024 with the intention of visiting her family. However, she found herself unable to leave the country after her arrival. In the wake of US and Israeli military actions against Iran in 2025, Iranian authorities accused her of espionage, further complicating her situation.
Karari’s release occurs at a time when relations between Washington and Tehran are particularly strained. The tensions have been escalating, adding a layer of complexity to diplomatic interactions between the two nations.