Iran releases American citizen detained since December 2024, Trump says

President Donald Trump announced that Iran had released an American citizen who had been detained since December 2024 and has now been permitted to leave the country. Trump described the action as a “gesture of goodwill,” noting that it came amid a resurgence of tensions between Washington and Tehran, including renewed sanctions and diplomatic expulsions. The former president said the release was a positive step, though he cautioned that it did not signal a broader easing of hostilities.

The detainee’s release follows a series of incidents that have strained U.S.–Iran relations, such as the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the subsequent re‑imposition of sanctions. Iran has long cited the detention of foreign nationals as leverage in its negotiations with the United States. Trump’s statement was made during a press briefing, in which he reiterated his administration’s stance on maintaining pressure on Tehran while acknowledging the significance of the release.

In concluding remarks, Trump emphasized that the U.S. would continue to monitor the situation closely and that the release, while welcomed, would not alter the broader strategic posture toward Iran. He urged both sides to pursue constructive dialogue, underscoring that the gesture could serve as a building block for future diplomatic engagement.