US President Donald Trump has described the release of an American citizen detained in Iran as a “gesture of goodwill,” even as hostilities persisted for a fifth consecutive night across the Middle East. Trump announced on Truth Social that the US citizen, who had been wrongfully held during the Biden administration in 2024, was now safely out of Iran and in good health.
Human rights lawyer Jared Genser identified the released individual as Dena Karari. He confirmed that she was safe and en route back to the United States, expressing gratitude to Trump for his role in securing her freedom. Iran has yet to officially confirm or deny Karari’s release.
This development occurred amid ongoing US military operations targeting Iran, aimed at reopening the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. Trump has escalated threats against Iran, warning of potential attacks on its power plants, bridges, and energy infrastructure. Three US officials revealed that the strikes are designed to degrade Iranian military capabilities ahead of more complex missions.
In retaliation, Iran claimed to have launched strikes against US military bases located in Kuwait and Jordan. Karari, 53, a California resident, had her passport confiscated during a visit to relatives in Shiraz, Iran, in December 2024. Although she was not formally detained, she underwent multiple interrogations by Iranian authorities, her lawyer.
