A British couple detained in Iran on espionage charges have said their situation has become “life-threatening” as the conflict in the region intensifies. Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both 53, issued their first public statement since hostilities began on 28 February, describing fear, uncertainty and a sense of abandonment. Get today's headlines by email Speaking from Evin Prison in Tehran, Mr Foreman said they felt “let down, alone and completely frustrated”. The couple were arrested in January 2025 while travelling through Iran as part of a global motorbike journey. They were later sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges they insist are false. In a message relayed by their son, Mr Foreman urged the UK government to publicly declare their innocence. “We are not spies. The charges against us are simply not true,” he said. Claims of Harsh ConditionsFamily members say the couple are being held separately in deteriorating conditions, with limited access to food and no medical care. According to their son, Joe Bennett, they are sleeping in overcrowded cells on metal bunks without mattresses. He added that nearby explosions linked to recent military activity have shaken the prison, heightening fears for their safety. “We are now in prison in a war zone,” Mr Foreman said in the recorded message. The family also said the couple were not informed when British embassy staff were withdrawn from Iran, leaving them without guidance during the crisis. Government Response Under ScrutinyThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said the welfare of British nationals remains a priority. It described the sentences as “completely appalling and totally unjustifiable” and said efforts to secure their release were ongoing. Yvette Cooper has previously condemned the case, but the family says the government response lacks urgency. Mr Bennett said he had been advised that ministers would not publicly state the couple’s innocence, a decision he criticised as deeply frustrating. He also questioned why other European countries had secured the release of their citizens while the UK had not taken a more assertive approach. Arrest During Planned JourneyThe Foremans, from East Sussex, had entered Iran with valid visas, a tour guide and an approved travel itinerary, despite official advice warning against travel to the country. Their trip was intended to be a short stop on a longer journey from Europe to Australia. Mrs Foreman, a life coach, had been documenting conversations about what makes a meaningful life. Their family has described the trial as a “sham” and continues to call for stronger diplomatic intervention. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 March 2026
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