British Couple Jailed in Iran Break 112-Day Consular Blackout After Husband Loses 17kg in Hunger Strike

A British couple jailed in Iran on espionage charges have finally been visited by UK officials after 112 days without consular access, following a prolonged hunger strike that left the husband 17kg lighter. Lindsay and Craig Foreman, who face 10-year prison sentences, remain detained at Tehran's Evin Prison as their family fights for their release and regular contact.

The visit on 5 October marked the first time British officials had seen the couple since 15 June, offering their family a long-awaited update on their condition after months of restricted communication.

British Couple Seen After 112-Day Consular Blackout

According to the family-led campaign Free Lindsay and Craig, the couple appeared physically stronger and in better spirits during the visit.

Craig, 52, told officials he had regained approximately 10kg (22lbs) of the 17kg (37lbs) he lost during a hunger strike that ended in August. The couple undertook prolonged hunger strikes while protesting their imprisonment and restrictions on communication with relatives.

However, their family said several welfare concerns remain unresolved, including Lindsay's access to prescribed medication and difficulties obtaining legal representation. The consular visit provided reassurance about their condition but did not resolve the restrictions affecting their daily lives inside Evin Prison.

Son Reveals Just 10 Minutes With Mum in Five Months

Lindsay's son, Joe Bennett, from Folkestone, revealed that he had spoken to his mother for approximately 10 minutes over the previous five months. He described the emotional impact of losing regular contact with someone who had previously been part of his everyday life.

'Think about your own family and what five months means. The conversations you have without even thinking about them,' Bennett said. 'This is my mum. This is our family. And whole chunks of our lives together are simply passing by.'

Iranian prison authorities have now agreed to allow the couple one family telephone call per week, although Bennett remains concerned about whether the arrangement will be honoured.

'I don't want another assurance that a phone call should happen. I want the phone to ring,' he said.

Lindsay and Craig Foreman Deny Espionage Charges

The couple, from East Sussex, were arrested in January 2025 while travelling through Iran during an around-the-world motorcycle journey. Iranian authorities accused them of spying for Britain and Israel, allegations both have consistently denied.

They were sentenced to 10 years in prison in February 2026, and their appeal was subsequently rejected. Their detention has attracted attention over concerns about prison conditions, restricted family communication and access to medical care.

The family also reported in July that Craig had received an additional two-year sentence for speaking to media outlets.

Ed Miliband Demands Release of British Couple

The latest consular visit followed diplomatic discussions between Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the United Nations General Assembly. Miliband reiterated the British government's demand for the couple's immediate release.

Bennett welcomed the intervention but urged the government to ensure its demands produced meaningful progress. The family continues to seek reliable telephone access, adequate medical care and the couple's return to Britain.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has been approached for comment on the latest developments.