Iraq’s governments change, but Iran influence remains, US lawmaker says

US citizen Dena Karari, who had been detained in Iran since December 2024, has been released and is traveling back to the United States, her lawyer Jared Genser said on X on Wednesday. Genser said Karari had been held on what he described as “bogus charges” and credited President Donald Trump’s efforts for her release.

“I am delighted and excited to report that my client US citizen Dena Karari, who had been trapped in Iran since December 2024 on bogus charges is now free. This would not have happened but for the extraordinary and relentless efforts of President Donald Trump. Dena is now safe and traveling back to the United States,” Genser said.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior said alarm sirens were activated on Wednesday, urging citizens and residents to remain calm, move to the nearest safe location, and follow updates through official channels.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said on Wednesday he discussed the regional situation and the threat posed by Iran and its proxies during a meeting with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast.

“It was a pleasure to meet again with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Brian Mast, a steadfast friend of Israel and a true champion of the US-Israel alliance,” he posted on X.

“We discussed the rapidly evolving regional picture, and the ongoing threat Iran and its terror proxies pose to the region. I stressed that Israel cannot allow radical forces on our borders threatening our citizens,” Sa’ar added.

President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post on Wednesday that Iran allowed an American citizen who was “wrongfully detained” in December 2024 to leave the country. He said the woman is now safely outside Iran and in good condition, thanking Tehran for what he called a “gesture of goodwill.”

“Iran has allowed an American Citizen, who was wrongfully detained in December of 2024 under the “presidency” of Sleepy Joe Biden, to leave the Country. She is now safely outside of Iran, and in good condition. The United States of America appreciates this gesture of Goodwill by Iran!” Trump said.

IRGC spokesman Hussein Mohebbi said on Wednesday Iran’s operations are currently focused on destroying US offensive infrastructure in the region, warning that further steps will follow.

“The enemy should not imagine that it can continue the current equation of the battle and turn the war into one of attrition. Iran's operations are currently focused on destroying America's offensive infrastructure in the region. The next steps will then begin,” he posted on X.