Family of British couple jailed in Iran ‘incredibly worried’ after air strikes

The family of a British couple imprisoned in Iran said they have spoken to them on Sunday morning and are “incredibly worried” about their safety after US and Israeli forces attacked the country.

Lindsay and Craig Foreman, both 53, were jailed for 10 years following their arrest in January 2025 while travelling through Iran during an around-the-world trip by motorcycle.

The couple, from East Sussex, and being held in Tehran’s Evin prison after they were detained and sentenced on charges of espionage, which they deny.

Explosions were heard in multiple Gulf states on Sunday as Iran vowed to carry out its “most intense operation” ever in retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Joe Bennett, Ms Foreman’s son, said on Sunday: “We were extremely relieved to hear from our parents this morning and yesterday but remain incredibly worried about their safety.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Iran and all others in the region who were impacted by the bombings this weekend.”

A spokesperson for the family added: “We are very concerned about the safety of Lindsay and Craig who were still in Evin prison today during the bombing of Tehran.

“The family did manage to speak to them this morning and at that time they were unhurt albeit very alert to, and concerned about the danger around them.”

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper previously labelled the couple’s sentence “completely appalling and totally unjustifiable”, and vowed the Government will “pursue this case relentlessly with the Iranian government until we see Craig and Lindsay Foreman safely returned”.

Her Tory counterpart, Dame Priti Patel, condemned the jail term as “disgraceful”, and called on Sir Keir Starmer to “use all available leverage” to secure their release.

The couple’s sentence was confirmed to their families last month.

They had recently sent a letter to the Iranian authorities complaining about their treatment.