British couple held in Iran named as family urge safe return

British couple held in Iran named as family urge safe return

BBC-Feb15th2025

Caroline Hawley

Diplomatic correspondent

The family of a British couple in custody in Iran say they are united in their determination to secure their safe return.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested in January, but news of their detention emerged on Thursday when state-run Iranian media reported they were being held on unspecified security charges.

The couple, both aged 52, had been on a motorbike trip across the world, and had planned to be in Iran for only five days.

A statement issued by the Foreign Office on their family’s behalf said: “This unexpected turn of events has caused significant concern for our entire family, and we are deeply focused on ensuring their safety and wellbeing during this trying time.”

The family called it a “distressing situation”, adding: “We are actively engaging with the British government and relevant authorities, working diligently to navigate the complexities of this matter.”

They said the “emotional burden of this situation weighs heavily on us”, and “the outpouring of support from friends, family, and the community” had “provided us with strength and encouragement as we face this ordeal”.

Mr and Mrs Foreman were heading for Australia on their journey across the globe.

They had crossed into Iran from Armenia on 30 December and had planned to be in Pakistan by 4 January.

After staying in the cities of Tabriz, Tehran and Isfahan, accompanied by a tour guide, they travelled on to Kerman, in east-central Iran, but never checked into their hotel there.

In a series of social media posts before they were detained, the couple described their joy at being in Iran.

Lindsay Foreman, a life coach with a doctorate in psychology, said she was “having an amazing time”.