Dena Karari, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, departed Iran on Wednesday after being prevented from leaving the country for over a year. Karari had been subject to an exit ban since December 2024. While Iranian authorities had raised allegations of espionage and collaboration with a hostile state, Karari was never formally charged with a crime.
Her attorney, Jared Genser, confirmed her departure on social media, stating she is safe and returning to the United States. Karari remained at liberty within Iran during the ban rather than being imprisoned, though sources reported she suffered a heart attack on July 8 while waiting for permission to leave. Her exit ban had technically expired in April, but authorities did not immediately allow her to travel.
President Trump acknowledged the release on social media, describing it as a gesture of goodwill by Iran. The State Department declined to comment on the matter. According to sources, Karari's case was one of several emphasized by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff during diplomatic efforts. At least two other Americans, Kamran Hekmati and Reza Valizadeh, remain in Iranian custody and are designated by the U.S. as wrongfully detained.