President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Iran released Dena Karari, an American citizen held captive since December 2024.
Trump brought her home.
“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 on Truth Social Tuesday evening. “She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition.”
“The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!”
Human rights lawyer Jared Genser — nicknamed “The Extractor” for freeing political prisoners worldwide — identified the freed detainee as his client, 53-year-old Dena Karari.
“This would not have happened but for the extraordinary and relentless efforts of President Donald Trump,” Genser said. “Dena is now safe and traveling back to the United States.”
Karari is a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen who works in the U.S. tech industry. She also ran a charity called the Children of Mehr Foundation, a U.S.-registered nonprofit raising money for impoverished children in Iran.
The Iranian regime targeted her for that charity work.
Genser told CNN that Karari was trying to return home after visiting family in Shiraz when both her American and Iranian passports were seized at the airport. Tehran viewed her foundation as a subversive organization.
Karari was slapped with a “coercive exit ban” and hauled in for interrogation dozens of times over the ensuing year and a half. The regime accused her of espionage but never formally charged, tried, or imprisoned her.
Genser said Karari “suffered enormous physical and psychological hardship” during these interrogations.
In April 2025, the exit ban expired “for reasons we don’t entirely understand,” but Iran still prevented her from leaving.
After Iran signed its Memorandum of Understanding with the United States to suspend hostilities in June, Genser redoubled his efforts to secure her release. He said the Trump administration was very responsive.
“They were doing everything they can and pushing from every direction they could.”
Karari reportedly suffered a heart attack on July 8, adding urgency to her case. Genser called it a “minor miracle” that she was released during active hostilities between the U.S. and Iran.
Neither Trump nor Genser indicated whether Iran received any inducements for releasing Karari, such as a prisoner swap.
In a Wednesday social media post, Genser expressed gratitude to Elizabeth Richards, director of hostage advocacy at the James Foley Legacy Foundation — named after journalist James Foley, kidnapped from Syria in 2012 and murdered by the Islamic State in 2014.
“In moments of celebration, it is crucial to remember that every victory is a team effort and countless people known and unknown work relentlessly to make it happen,” Genser said.
“Without her, I’m sure, today would not have come.”
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
I want to offer my profound thanks to the @JamesFoleyFund, @FoleyDi, & most especially #LizRichards for helping us bring our client #DenaKarari, who had been trapped in #Iran on bogus accusations since December 2024, home. In moments of celebration, it is crucial to remember that…
— Jared Genser (@JaredGenser) July 16, 2026
