British duo under Iranian custody make contact with family in the UK
British Couple Makes First Phone Call Home After Seven Months in Iranian Detention
After seven long months, the British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman, who have been detained in Iran on espionage charges which they deny, made their first phone call home on August 6, 2025. The call, which lasted approximately 8-10 minutes, brought a significant moment of relief for the family as they heard their loved ones' voices for the first time in over 200 days.
The Foreman family, who hail from East Sussex, described the call as a "massive relief." The couple appeared mentally strong and were doing their best under difficult conditions, according to their son, Joe Bennett. However, they reportedly do not have access to clean water and face challenging prison conditions.
The couple was seized in Kerman, eastern Iran, during a motorcycle world tour in January 2025. Since then, they have been held in separate prisons near Tehran, including the notorious Evin Prison, known for its harsh conditions. The family has expressed serious concern, especially given overcrowding and a lack of recent consular visits for over 99 days.
The Iranian government has stated that the case is progressing through Iran’s judicial system according to law, with trial hearings pending completion of investigative procedures. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has affirmed their ongoing dialogue with Iranian authorities regarding the couple's situation.
The family and advocates continue to urge the UK government to take more action for the release of Lindsay and Craig Foreman, highlighting that they are innocent hostages, not criminals. Brendan O'Hara, the vice chair of the all-parliamentary group for arbitrary detention and hostage affairs, has previously characterized the Foremans as "innocent victims of a geopolitical power struggle."
As the details of the call or its contents have not been disclosed to the public, speculation remains about the Foreman's current situation and potential use as "bargaining chips" in negotiations between Iranian authorities and Western nations. Bennett has urged the British government to take a firm stance by recognizing his parents as hostages and determining the necessary steps for their release.
The FCDO is providing consular support and remains in close contact with the Foreman family. The UK government is reportedly working to secure the release of Lindsay and Craig Foreman from Iranian detention. The hope is that this recent contact provides a stepping stone towards a resolution that will secure the release of the Foreman couple.
Given the ongoing detention of Lindsay and Craig Foreman in Iranian prisons, there is growing concern among their family and advocates that their situation could become intertwined with politics and general-news events. As negotiations between Iranian authorities and Western nations progress, there is a fears that the Foremans could potentially be used as crime-and-justice pawns, further complicating their release.
