Trump says Iran freed US citizen held since December 2024

The release comes days after Trump ordered a resumption of strikes against Iran and reimposed a naval blockade of its ports. Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding last month aimed at ending the Middle East war. The rivals have renewed hostilities, with fighting resuming across the region.

Iran holds several Western nationals and has been accused of using them as bargaining chips in negotiations between governments.

In April, Trump said eight Iranian women would not be executed thanks to his intervention. Officials in Tehran denied that, saying no such executions were planned and calling it false news.

The timing of the release, days after the escalation in military and economic pressure, raises questions about whether the gesture signals a shift in Iran's posture or a tactical move ahead of any renewed talks. The administration has not indicated whether the release will affect the current blockade or strike campaign.