Trump: Iran frees U.S. citizen wrongfully detained since 2024
U.S. President Donald Trump attends a cabinet meeting with members of his administration in the Cabinet Room of the White House on August 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) / (R) Photo via: Jared Genser and Karari family,
OAN Staff Lillian Mann
1:24 PM – Thursday, July 16, 2026
In a Truth Social post, President Donald Trump revealed that Iran has agreed to release a United States citizen who has been “wrongfully detained” since December 2024.
On Wednesday, Trump stated that the woman is now safe and outside of 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. She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition. The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!” Trump wrote.
Trump Truth Social
The woman, later identified by her lawyer on X as Dena Karari, is now heading back to the United States.
Jared Genser, her lawyer, stated that Karari had been detained in Iran since December 2024 on “bogus charges,” adding that her release “would not have happened but for the extraordinary and relentless efforts” of President Trump. He concluded by confirming that she is safe and currently on her way back home.
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
UPDATE- 1:50 PM – Article has been updated to include image of Dena Karari in the graphic.
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