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Iranian American Woman Held in Iran on Spying Charges Is Released
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Iran has released Dena Karari, a 53-year-old dual Iranian-American citizen, who had been charged with espionage and barred from leaving the country for over a year pending trial.
- Karari's passport was seized during a visit to Shiraz in December 2024, and she was repeatedly interrogated by Iranian authorities but never detained in jail.
- Her release and departure to the United States were attributed to the "extraordinary and relentless efforts" of President Trump, who praised Iran's gesture of goodwill amid ongoing conflict.
- Karari's lawyer, Jared Genser, stated she was targeted as part of Iran's practice of detaining dual citizens for political leverage, especially following heightened tensions after the 2025 Iran-Israel-US war.
- Espionage charges in Iran carry severe penalties, including long prison terms or the death penalty, underscoring the seriousness of the accusations against Karari.
