American Woman Released from Iranian Detention

President Donald Trump announced that an American woman, believed to be wrongfully detained in Iran for 18 months, has been released. Identified as Dena Karari, an Iranian-American citizen, she was reportedly held on espionage charges related to her humanitarian work with an American nonprofit.

Trump shared the news on Truth Social, indicating her detention began in December 2024. He mentioned that this occurred during President Joe Biden’s administration. Karari has now left Iran and is in good condition following her release.

The United States of America appreciates this gesture of goodwill by Iran!

This marks the first release of an American from Iranian custody since 2023, highlighting it as a significant development amidst military tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Trump expressed gratitude towards Iran for this act.

Jared Genser, Karari’s attorney, confirmed her return, stating she faced false charges of espionage due to her association with the Children of Mehr Foundation. This U.S.-registered nonprofit works on literacy and other humanitarian aid for children in rural Iran.

Iran’s regime often views affiliations with U.S.-based organizations warily, leading to security charges. Genser noted Karari was not imprisoned but was under a coercive exit ban. She endured extensive interrogations and substantial hardships.

Genser urged Iran to drop all charges against those associated locally with the foundation and called for the release of all wrongly detained individuals.

Reports suggest Iran may hold over eight American citizens and residents, exceeding public figures which list five American hostages. Among current hostages are Kamran Hekmati and Reza Valizadeh, detained since 2025 and 2024, respectively.

A U.S. State Department official assured that President Trump is actively working to secure detainees’ release globally, criticizing Iran’s use of foreign nationals as political leverage.

United Against Nuclear Iran states Tehran detains individuals on vague charges, using them as bargaining chips for concessions like the release of frozen assets. The U.S. managed a major prisoner exchange in 2023, securing the freedom of five Americans in return for unlocking $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds.