On Wednesday, President Donald Trump said Iran released an American citizen detained since December 2024 and said the United States appreciates the move as a “gesture of goodwill.”
Trump Announces American Citizen’s Release
Trump announced the release of Dena Karari in a post on Truth Social, saying the American citizen, who he said had been “wrongfully detained” under former President Joe Biden’s administration, had safely left Iran.
“Iran has allowed an American Citizen, who was wrongfully detained in December of 2024 under the ‘presidency’ of Sleepy Joe Biden, to leave the Country,” Trump wrote.
He added, “She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition.”
Trump also praised Iran’s move, writing, “The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!”
Dena Karari Released
Karari is a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, according to her lawyer Jared Genser.
Genser said in a social media post that Karari, who had been prevented from leaving Iran after visiting family in 2024, was "now safe and traveling back to the United States."
He added, "This would not have happened but for the extraordinary and relentless efforts" of the president.
I am delighted and excited to report that my client U.S. citizen #DenaKarari, who had been trapped in #Iran since December 2024 on bogus charges is now free. This would not have happened but for the extraordinary and relentless efforts of President @realDonaldTrump. Dena is now…
— Jared Genser (@JaredGenser) July 15, 2026
Last year, The New York Times reported that Karari worked for an American technology company and operated a charity supporting underprivileged children in Iran.
After the U.S. joined Israel in strikes against Iran in 2025, she was reportedly charged with espionage by Iranian authorities.
Trump Says Iran Wants Talks
President Trump said Iran had sought talks as U.S. forces launched another wave of strikes against Iranian military targets.
The strikes targeted assets near the Strait of Hormuz, including coastal defense systems and cruise missile infrastructure, after Trump warned military action would intensify without negotiations.
Trump Continues Iran Strikes, Drops Hormuz Fee
On Tuesday, Trump said the U.S. would continue strikes on Iran, warning that attacks could expand to energy infrastructure, bridges and power plants if Tehran did not negotiate.
He said the U.S. aimed to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Trump also dropped his proposed 20% fee on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz, saying Gulf allies preferred making investments in the U.S. instead.
He said countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE planned major investments as an alternative to the proposed fee.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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