A undated handout picture released by the family of Craig and Lindsay Foreman through Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London on February 15, 2025, shows Craig and Lindsay Foreman posing for a selfie photograph at an unknown location. The UK government on Saturday named two Britons detained in Iran as Craig and Lindsay Foreman, with their family saying they are determined to ensure the pair's "safe return". The two are currently being held in the city of Kerman, the family said in a statement issued by the British foreign ministry. (Photo by Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT " AFP PHOTO / Family handout via Foreign, Commonweatlh & Development Office (FCDO) " - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by -/Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office/AFP via Getty Images)
Lindsey and Craig Foreman didn’t appear at their hotel (Picture: AFP)

A British couple has been detained in Iran on charges of espionage.

Craig and Lindsey Foreman, both 52, were taken into custody last week in Kerman, southeast Iran, according to state media.

They had been on a motorbike tour of the world and planned to stay in Iran for five days before their arrest.

A statement released by their family read: ‘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 Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran for British nationals.

After staying in Tabriz, Tehran and Isfahan, they never reached their hotel in Kerman.

The family of a British couple in custody in Iran, named as Craig and Lindsay Foreman, says they are in a "distressing situation". The couple, in their early 50s, who were on a trip across the world on motorbikes, were arrested in January but the news emerged on Thursday when state-run Iranian media reported they were being held on unspecified security charges. A photograph was published of the couple, with their faces blurred, meeting the British ambassador Hugo Shorter at the public prosecutor's office in Kerman. 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 well-being during this trying time." It added: "We are actively engaging with the British government and relevant authorities, working diligently to navigate the complexities of this matter. The family are united in our determination to secure their safe return."
The couple said they were choosing to ignore travel advice (Picture: Family)

Before entering Iran, Dr Foreman posted on social media they were about to ‘tackle one of the most challenging—and let’s be honest, slightly scary—sections of our journey’.

But she added they have chosen to ignore the advice of family and the Foreign Office about entering the country, saying: ‘Yes, we’re aware of the risks. But we also know the rewards of meeting incredible people, hearing their stories, and seeing the breathtaking landscapes of these regions could far outweigh the fear.

‘We’re carrying your love and good wishes with us, so stay tuned for updates from this unforgettable part of our adventure.’

Iranian law does not include an actual definition of espionage, according to Iran Wire. It’s unclear what the couple could have possibly done to receive the charge, but Iran has lodged such charges against foreigners in the past.

In 2009, two American hikers were sentenced to eight years in prison on charges of espionage after they accidentally strayed onto Iranian land while on a hike.

Famously, British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was sentenced to prison on charges of ‘spreading propaganda against Iran’.

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