Trump welcomes Iran’s release of detained American citizen

In a statement shared on his social media platform, Trump said the American citizen, whom he described as having been wrongfully detained, had safely left Iran and was in good health.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has welcomed Iran’s decision to release an American citizen who had been detained since late 2024, describing the move as a positive humanitarian gesture and expressing appreciation to Tehran.

In a statement shared on his social media platform, Trump said the American citizen, whom he described as having been wrongfully detained, had safely left Iran and was in good health. He thanked the Iranian authorities for what he called an act of goodwill.

Human rights lawyer Jared Genser identified the released individual as Dena Karari, who had reportedly been prevented from leaving Iran since December 2024 after travelling there to visit relatives.

According to Genser, Karari’s American and Iranian passports were confiscated at the airport as she prepared to return home. He said she was repeatedly questioned by Iranian authorities and subjected to a prolonged travel ban that prevented her departure.

Her legal team stated that Karari operated the Children of Mehr Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports underprivileged children in Iran through private donations under an authorised US licence. The reasons behind the restrictions imposed on her remain unclear.

Genser said the travel ban was lifted earlier this year, allowing Karari to recover her passports. Her legal representatives then worked with US officials during ongoing diplomatic contacts with Iran to facilitate her safe departure from the country.

He praised the Trump administration for its efforts, saying officials actively pursued her case through multiple diplomatic channels. Karari has now left Iran and is returning to the United States.

The development comes at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following recent military confrontations and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional tensions. Despite the strained relationship, Karari’s release has been viewed as a rare positive development in relations between the two countries.