Iran releases U.S. woman 'wrongfully detained' for more than 18 months in what Trump describes as 'gesture of goodwill'

Dena Karari.

A U.S. woman left Iran on Wednesday after being held captive by the Iranian government since December 2024 and was on her way back to the U.S., President Trump announced in a post on Truth Social. 

"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," the president said. "She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition. The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!"

Trump didn't mention the name of the freed woman, but Jared Genser, a human rights lawyer who's been representing Dena Karari, confirmed Trump's announcement in a post on X, saying Karari was "now safe and traveling back to the United States." Genser added, "This would not have happened but for the extraordinary and relentless efforts of President Donald Trump."

Kerari, 53, hails from California and holds dual U.S. and Iranian citizenship. She was questioned by authorities in Iran while visiting family in December 2024, during the waning weeks of Joe Biden's single term as president. The Iranian government seized her passport and slapped her with espionage charges, which Genser, her lawyer, described as "bogus." She wasn't incarcerated there, but was interrogated numerous times and, because her passport had been confiscated, was barred from leaving the country, a practice known as an exit ban. 

According to CNN, Genser said Kerari suffered a "massive heart attack" last week, and CBS News reported that the Trump administration had been pressing Iran for her return as well as the release of other Americans who are detained in Iran. Kerari has worked in the tech industry and also runs a nonprofit called the Children of Mehr Foundation, which focuses on providing support for Iranian children living in poverty, according to The Economic Times. 

Kerari's return comes as tensions and renewed fighting have escalated over the last week between the U.S. and Iran as the two sides have been unable to come to an agreement amid negotiations since a memorandum of understanding was signed last month that established a ceasefire and laid the groundwork for peace talks.