The son of a British couple detained in Iran expressed concerns about their safety following the closure of the UK embassy in Tehran during significant anti-regime protests.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who were on a global motorcycle journey, were arrested by Iranian authorities in January 2025 on spying charges. Despite denying the accusations, they are currently held in a harrowing Iranian prison. Their son, Joe Bennett, stated that his parents were in a perilous situation due to the ongoing mass protests in the country, leading to widespread arrests, violence, and executions.

Joe mentioned that Iranian prisons were experiencing overcrowding due to the large number of arrests during the protests. He disclosed that his parents described the jail as “unsafe” and “frightening” during their last conversation, citing issues like vermin infestation and frequent fights.

The temporary shutdown of the UK embassy in Tehran added to Joe’s worries about securing his parents’ release. The government confirmed the embassy’s closure, noting that operations would continue remotely.

If Craig and Lindsay were released, they planned to seek refuge at the British embassy, but with its closure, their options are uncertain. Legal representatives in Tehran have submitted a bail application on their behalf.

Joe highlighted the challenges his parents faced at Evin Prison, including poor living conditions causing health issues such as Lindsay’s skin condition and Craig’s dental problems. He emphasized the urgent need for proper medical care and nutrition to prevent further deterioration.

Efforts to assess the situation and assist the detained couple are ongoing, with updates awaited from the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office.