Trump appreciates Iran release after US President Donald Trump said Washington welcomed Iran’s decision to allow an American citizen to leave the country. Trump described the move as a gesture of goodwill, saying the woman had been wrongfully detained since December 2024 and was now safely outside Iran.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the released American was in good condition and thanked Tehran for permitting her departure. He stated that the United States appreciated the humanitarian gesture while offering no further details about the circumstances surrounding her release.
Human rights lawyer Jared Genser identified the American citizen as Dena Karari. According to him, Karari had traveled to Iran to visit family in late 2024 but was prevented from leaving after authorities confiscated both her American and Iranian passports at the airport.
Genser said Karari faced repeated interrogations and remained under what he described as a coercive exit ban for several months. He added that she was questioned dozens of times before the travel restrictions were eventually lifted earlier this year.
Her lawyer said Karari operated the Children of Mehr Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting underprivileged children in Iran through private donations under an OFAC license. He noted that her exit ban unexpectedly expired in April, allowing her to recover her travel documents.
The announcement came as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Recent negotiations aimed at reducing hostilities have continued alongside broader discussions on regional security and long-term stability.
Trump appreciates Iran release as a positive humanitarian step, while officials on both sides continue to navigate wider political and security disputes. Observers say the development could contribute to confidence-building efforts if diplomatic engagement continues.