The son of a British couple imprisoned in Iran has pleaded for urgent action, saying his parents are innocent and being wrongly held on espionage charges.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both 52, from East Sussex, were on a once-in-a-lifetime motorbike journey from Spain to Australia when they were arrested after entering Iran on 31 December 2024. The Iranian authorities later charged them with spying—claims their family firmly denies.

Their son, Joe Bennett, said he was devastated when he found out in January that they had been detained and has had no direct contact with them in over six months.

“They’re Not Criminals – They’re Just Mum and Dad”

Speaking to the BBC, Joe said:

“I want to be absolutely clear: my parents aren’t spies, they’re not political players, and they’re not criminals. They’re just Mum and Dad.”

He said the family received just one generic letter from his mother and only limited updates through three welfare checks by UK embassy staff—the last one in May.

“It’s heartbreaking not hearing their voices every day like I used to,” he added.

Joe described how his mother is sleeping on a thin mattress and how both parents are trying to stay mentally strong by jogging figure-eights inside their prison cell—reflecting their usual active lifestyle back home.

Rising Fears Amid Iran-Israel Conflict

He recalled feeling terrified during the recent flare-up between Iran and Israel, especially when his parents were due to be moved to Tehran’s infamous Evin Prison—which was later bombed on 23 June.

To make matters worse, the UK pulled out its embassy staff from the city due to the escalating conflict, leaving Joe worried that no one was left to check on their safety.

“They’re now completely alone,” he said. “We don’t have people on the ground who can push for their wellbeing.”

Arrested Despite Following All Rules

Joe admitted that the family had concerns about their decision to travel to Iran. But he stressed that his parents followed all legal procedures—applying for visas, traveling with licensed guides, staying in hotels, and sticking to main roads.

“They did everything by the book… but clearly that wasn’t enough.”

He believes they were arrested simply for being British passport holders and are being used as political leverage by the Iranian regime.

UK Government Response Under Scrutiny

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says it is continuing to assist the family and is raising the case directly with Iranian officials. However, Joe expressed frustration with what he called a lack of urgency.

“They’ve been supportive in words, but we’re past that now. Their quiet diplomacy has dragged on too long. We don’t know what the strategy is.”
“We know what we want and where we stand—it’s up to them now to make it happen.”

Pattern of Detaining Dual Nationals

Iran has a history of detaining dual nationals or foreigners on espionage or national security charges. Human rights groups say these individuals are often held as bargaining chips in negotiations.

A spokesperson for Iran’s judiciary claimed that the Foremans entered “under the guise of tourists” and were “gathering information,” stating they had been monitored by intelligence services and arrested in a coordinated operation.

The FCDO strongly advises against all travel to Iran, warning that British nationals face a high risk of arrest and that consular support is “extremely limited.”

For Joe, the message remains clear:

“They aren’t criminals. They aren’t threats. They’re just two loving parents who went on an adventure—and they need to come home.”