Iran denies releasing American citizen Dena Karari despite U.S. claims

The Trump administration announced the release of Iranian-American Dena Karari, but Iranian judicial authorities deny any prisoner release or exchange. Dena Karari, a 53-year-old California resident, was detained in Iran since December 2024 after traveling to Shiraz to visit family. Her lawyer, Jared Genser, confirmed she left Iran and is en route to the U.S., thanking President Trump for efforts Source: elespanol. However, Iran's judiciary stated that no American spy or detainee matching the description has been freed Source: elespanol.

What happened

• Karari was interrogated by Iran's Intelligence Ministry on suspicion of espionage and collaboration with hostile governments, but was not imprisoned Source: infobae.
• Trump posted on Truth Social that he appreciated Iran's "gesture of good will" Source: elespanol.
• The release comes amid ongoing military escalation between the U.S. and Iran, including attacks over the Strait of Hormuz Source: elespanol.

Who else is detained

At least three other American citizens remain in Iranian custody:

• Kamran Hekmati, 70, a jeweler arrested in May 2025 and sentenced to two years for traveling to Israel for his son's bar mitzvah Source: infobae.
• , a journalist for Radio Farda, serving a ten-year sentence on charges of collaborating with a hostile state .