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Iran allows U.S. citizen held on spy charges to leave; Trump thanks Iran for goodwill

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Iran has allowed a U.S. citizen, detained for 19 months on espionage charges, to leave the country.
  • President Donald Trump expressed gratitude for Iran's

In a move that could signal a de-escalation amid rising tensions, Iran has permitted a U.S. citizen, held for 19 months on espionage charges, to depart the country. President Donald Trump announced the release on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that the individual is now safely outside Iran and in good health. Trump thanked Iran for this "act of goodwill."

She is now safely outside of Iran and in good health.

— Donald TrumpAnnouncing the release of the U.S. citizen on social media.

Jared Genser, the U.S. lawyer representing the released individual, identified her as Dana Karimi. He confirmed on X, formerly Twitter, that Karimi is safe and en route to the United States, attributing her freedom to Trump's "extraordinary and persistent efforts." Genser also urged for the release of all unjustly imprisoned Americans and those facing coercive travel bans, as well as all Iranian political prisoners.

America is grateful for this act of goodwill by Iran.

— Donald TrumpExpressing thanks for Iran's decision to allow the U.S. citizen to leave.

Karimi, who holds dual U.S. and Iranian citizenship, reportedly operated a non-profit organization called the Children of Mar Foundation, which supports children's education and creative activities. She was visiting Iran in 2024 to see her family when she was detained by Iran's Ministry of Intelligence in December of that year. She was accused of cooperating with an enemy state and espionage, leading to a travel ban. Genser claimed Karimi faced "absurd charges" and endured significant physical and psychological distress during her detention. CBS News, citing sources, reported that Karimi suffered a heart attack on July 8. Genser clarified to The New York Times that while she was never formally imprisoned, she was repeatedly interrogated by Iranian intelligence agents.

She is safe and on her way back to the United States.

— Jared GenserConfirming the individual's safety and return journey.

The Iranian decision comes as U.S.-Iran military confrontations escalate and fears of a full-scale conflict resurface, following the suspension of U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations. The exchange, marked by Trump's response, is interpreted as a limited diplomatic communication between the two nations amidst their adversarial relationship.

Without President Trump’s extraordinary and persistent efforts, she would not have been able to regain her freedom.

— Jared GenserAttributing the release to President Trump's actions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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