Iran Releases American Citizen Detained Since December 2024, Trump Confirms

US President Donald Trump announced that Iran has allowed an American citizen, detained since December 2024, to leave the country. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that the woman was held unlawfully and is now safe and in good health outside Iran. The released individual is Dina Karari, a dual American-Iranian citizen, according to human rights lawyer Jared Genser, who represents her. Karari was accused falsely of collaborating with an enemy state and espionage, endured significant suffering, was interrogated multiple times, and was prevented from leaving Iran. She led the Maher Children Foundation, which aids underprivileged children in Iran. Karari is currently en route to the United States, with her lawyer expressing gratitude to President Trump for his support.

President Trump recently ordered renewed strikes on Iran and blocked its ports but did not disclose the detainee's identity or the reasons for her arrest. Iran holds many foreign nationals and is accused of using them as bargaining chips in negotiations with Western governments. In May, Washington announced the release of an Iranian citizen with US permanent residency after serving a ten-year sentence in Iran.