US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, that Iran has released an American citizen who had been detained since December 2024 and allowed her to leave the country. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that "She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition," and expressed appreciation for what he called "this gesture of goodwill by Iran."

The released woman was later identified by her lawyer as Dena Karari, a US-Iranian citizen. Attorney Jared Genser stated that Karari had been trapped in Iran on charges he described as bogus, including collaboration with a hostile state and espionage. Genser explained that Karari operated the non-profit Children of Mehr Foundation, which provided aid to impoverished children in Iran through private donations.

While Karari was subject to a coercive exit ban, she was interrogated dozens of times by Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security. Although she was never physically detained, Genser said she endured significant physical and psychological hardship.

In a related development, Washington announced in May 2026 the release of an Iranian citizen with US permanent residence status after serving a 10-year prison sentence in Iran.

Despite a memorandum of understanding signed last month between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the Middle East conflict, hostilities have resumed with fighting across the region.

Sources