### British Couple Detained in Iran Remain Out of Contact With Family After Six Months
The family of a British couple detained in Iran have spoken publicly of their anguish after spending half a year with no word from their loved ones, raising concerns about the state of diplomatic efforts to secure their release.
Lindsay Foreman and her husband Craig, both aged 52 and originally from East Sussex, had set out on a motorcycling journey from Spain to Australia—a plan they described as the “adventure of a lifetime”. Their dream, however, quickly became a nightmare in early 2025 when they were arrested by Iranian authorities, reportedly on charges of espionage.
Joe Bennett, Lindsay’s eldest son, has been vocal in his calls for the UK government to ramp up its efforts to support the couple. The 31-year-old, based in Folkestone, last spoke to his mother and stepfather on 3 January. News of their arrest surfaced in February, with Joe and his family left in a distressing limbo ever since.
Tensions were heightened for the family when Israeli airstrikes hit Iranian targets, including reports of an attack on a prison facility where Lindsay and Craig were possibly held. “That was probably the height of the fear,” Joe recounted. “We can only imagine what they must be feeling, stuck in a volatile situation far from home, with war erupting outside their prison walls.”
The ongoing geopolitical instability in Iran—exemplified by the bombings and the closure of the British embassy in Tehran—has made the case all the more urgent, according to Joe. He insists the UK needs to show “unity of purpose” and leave no stone unturned in efforts to bring his family members back to Britain safely.
Some observers have questioned why Lindsay and Craig chose to travel through Iran given the Foreign Office’s clear warnings against travel to the region. Addressing this, Joe pointed out that his mother and stepfather had obtained the necessary visas, adhered strictly to legal requirements by sticking to main roads, and hired a local guide for their safety. “They had nothing but good things to say about Iran—the beauty of the country, the warmth of its people,” Joe said. “Their only crime, it seems, was being adventurous in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
In a recent online press conference, Joe challenged assumptions that the pair were involved in political activities. “They are not spies, nor are they political agitators,” he clarified. “They’re simply a mum and a dad who are desperately missed by their family.”
He also revealed the emotional toll the last six months have taken, explaining that the family lost all contact with Lindsay and Craig early in June. With news that the couple had been transferred to the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran—an institution infamous for its associations with human rights abuses—their anxiety only deepened, particularly when Israeli missile strikes targeted the site.
As efforts at so-called “quiet diplomacy” have failed to yield progress, Joe stated that the family felt compelled to speak out, believing public pressure may be the only remaining tool to effect change. “That silence ends today,” he said, adding, “This isn’t only about politics. It’s about a mum who never missed a birthday call and a stepfather who would do anything for this family.”
The Foreign Office continues to advise against all travel to Iran, cautioning that British nationals are at high risk of detention and that consular assistance in the region is severely limited. Reached for comment, officials indicated that renewed efforts are being made, but provided no clear timeline for a resolution.
As the uncertainty drags on, the family’s patience is wearing thin. “We are drained and heartbroken, but we will not give up hope,” Joe said. With tension in the region showing no sign of abating, many in the UK are now watching closely to see whether the government can secure the couple’s safe return.
The case has drawn attention to the broader risks facing Western travellers in hostile regions, and reignited debate about Britain’s response to the detention of its citizens abroad. For Lindsay and Craig’s relatives, however, it remains a profoundly personal struggle—one that is, for now, defined by waiting and hope.