British couple detained in Iran named after family’s ‘significant concern’

Undated family handout photo of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who have been detained in Iran. Their family have said they are "united in our determination to secure their safe return", in a statement issued by the Foreign Office. Issue date: Saturday February 15, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS Iran. Photo credit should read: Family Handout/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who have been detained in Iran (Picture: Family Handout/PA Wire)

A British couple who have been detained in Iran have been named as Craig and Lindsay Foreman who were on a motorbike trip across the world.

Mr and Dr Foreman were detained in January in the southeastern city of Kerman.

They crossed into Iran from Armenia on December 30 and planned to stay in the country until January 4.

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

Iranian state media confirmed on Wednesday a man and woman were in custody onunspecified security charges, and posted a picture of the couple meeting with the British ambassador with their faces blurred.

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’.

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 were on a ’round the world motorbike trip’
UK ambassador to Iran Hugo Shorter met the British detainees at the prosecutor's office in Kerman Several people sit around a wood-panelled table - laid with with ornate bowls and pots. Hugo Shorter, a man wearing a blue suit and tie, sits on the right hand side between a woman wearing a green scarf over her hair and a man in a grey jacket and green shirt. On the left hand side are four people with their faces blurred while at the far end there are two men wearing black coats, one of who is holding a mobile phone Image source,IRNA
UK ambassador to Iran Hugo Shorter met the British detainees at the prosecutor’s office in Kerman (Picture: IRNA)

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.’

In a statement, their family said: ‘We would like to take this opportunity to address the distressing situation concerning Craig and Lindsay Foreman who are currently being detained in Kerman, Iran.

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 were on a motorbike trip around the world
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."
They crossed into Iran from Armenia on December 30 and planned to stay in the country until January 4

‘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.

‘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.

‘We truly appreciate the outpouring of support from friends, family, and the community, which has provided us with strength and encouragement as we face this ordeal.

Undated family handout photo of Craig Foreman, who along with his wife Lindsay have been detained in Iran. Their family have said they are "united in our determination to secure their safe return", in a statement issued by the Foreign Office. Issue date: Saturday February 15, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS Iran. Photo credit should read: Family Handout/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Craig Foreman, who along with his wife Lindsay have been detained in Iran (Picture: Family Handout/PA Wire)

‘Thank you for your understanding, compassion, and continued support.’

Dr Foreman, who is a life coach and has a doctorate in psychology, was preparing a research project she was going to present in Brisbane in the last stop of their trip.

During the round-the-world tour, she was asking people what it mean to be human and how to live a good life.

A Foreign Office spokesperson earlier said: ‘We are providing consular assistance to two British nationals detained in Iran and are in contact with the local authorities.’

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