Detained British couple successfully connect with family members in the UK after being held in Iran.
British Couple Makes First Phone Call Home After Months of Detention in Iran
After more than seven months without direct contact, Lindsay and Craig Foreman, a British couple detained in Iran since January 2025 on espionage charges which they deny, made their first phone call home on August 6, 2025. The call, lasting about eight minutes, provided a brief emotional reunion for the family, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the prolonged detention.
During the call, the couple appeared mentally strong, resilient, and said they were being "looked after as well as possible" under difficult conditions. The family described the call as a "massive relief," with their son, Kieran, terming it as lifting them from a "hole of despair."
Since their detention, the Foremans have been subjected to harsh treatment, including sleep deprivation, beatings, and threats of execution aimed at extracting forced confessions. However, they have maintained their innocence throughout. The British government rejects the espionage charges and continues to provide consular assistance while pressing Iran for their release.
The family had initially been led to believe that communication would be possible sooner, as advised by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Iranian authorities have stated the couple’s case is progressing through the legal system according to Iranian law, with trial hearings pending.
Joe Bennett, the couple's son, heard his mother's voice for the first time in over 200 days following their phone call. He described the calls as a "massive relief." Bennett also stated that his parents were holding strong and exhibiting resilience and positivity during their call.
The situation is being described as a potential bargaining chip in negotiations between Iranian authorities and Western nations. 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."
The Foreman family continues to hope for a resolution that will secure the release of Lindsay and Craig Foreman. A spokesperson for the FCDO affirmed their ongoing dialogue with Iranian authorities regarding the couple's situation.
In summary, the British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman, from East Sussex, UK, have recently been allowed to make phone calls home after being detained in Iran for several months. The situation is being closely monitored by the British government, and the family continues to hope for a swift resolution to secure their release.
Politics surrounding the detention of British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman is gaining more attention. The general news coverage and crime-and-justice sector are eagerly awaiting updates on the couple's trial hearings and potential resolution, as the case could have significant implications for international relations.
