Iran Releases Detained U.S. Citizen After Nearly Two Years

Iran has released Dena Karari, a U.S.-Iranian dual citizen who was detained in the country since December 2024. Karari, who was barred from leaving Iran under an exit ban, is now safely outside the country and traveling back to the United States. President Donald Trump thanked Iran for the release, calling it a 'gesture of goodwill' in a post on Truth Social. Attorney Jared Genser, representing Karari, confirmed her freedom and credited Trump's efforts for her release. Karari faced 'bogus charges' of espionage and collaboration with a hostile state, according to Genser, who also noted she suffered physical and psychological hardship during her detention. The release comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, including Trump's recent reinstatement of a naval blockade and Iran's missile and drone attacks on regional allies. Iran holds several Western nationals, often using them as bargaining chips in negotiations. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on the situation, but two other Americans remain wrongfully detained in Iran. Trump's statement linked Karari's detention to former President Joe Biden's administration, though no evidence supports this claim. The release was not part of a recent U.S.-Iran memorandum aimed at ending regional hostilities.