British couple loses appeal on 10-year Iran sentence

A British couple imprisoned in Iran on espionage charges have lost their appeal against their 10-year prison sentences, according to statements from their family and the U.K. government. Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both 52, were detained in January 2025 while traveling through Iran on a round-the-world motorcycle trip and were convicted in February.

The couple, who deny the charges, were not permitted to attend their own appeal hearing, according to Lindsay Foreman's son, Joe Bennett. He stated that the family does not know if the couple received a proper account of the arguments made on their behalf and that they had been asked to sign documents in Farsi, which they could not read and refused. The case has now been referred to Iran's Supreme Court, though the family says the process and timeline remain unclear.

In response to the appeal decision, the British Foreign Office said it was disappointed and would continue working to secure the couple's safe return. The government has previously described the sentences as unjustified and appalling. Since the arrest, British diplomats have provided consular assistance, including prison visits by the ambassador and facilitated calls with...