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UK condemns 10-year sentence for British couple in Iran

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 19, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 3, 2026

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LONDON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - British foreign minister Yvette Cooper on Thursday condemned as "totally unjustifiable" the 10-year sentence given to two British nationals detained in Iran, saying the

UK blasts Iran’s 10-year jail term for British couple, vows new push

LONDON, Feb 19 (Reuters) - British foreign minister Yvette Cooper on Thursday condemned as "totally unjustifiable" the 10-year sentence given to two British nationals detained in Iran, saying the government would continue pressing for their release.

Craig and Lindsay Foreman had been charged with espionage after Iran accused them of gathering information in several parts of the country.

"We will pursue this case relentlessly with the Iranian government until we see Craig and Lindsay Foreman safely returned to the UK and reunited with their family," Cooper said in a statement.

Joe Bennett, Lindsay's son, said in a separate statement the couple had appeared at a three-hour trial on October 27 of last year in which they were not allowed to present a defence.

"We have seen no evidence to support the charge of espionage," he said, adding that the family was deeply concerned about the couple's welfare and the lack of transparency in the judicial process.

(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Kate Holton)

Key Takeaways

  • UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the 10-year sentence as totally unjustifiable and pledged continued efforts to secure the couple’s release.
  • Britons Craig and Lindsay Foreman were convicted on espionage charges following a three-hour trial on October 27, 2025, where they could not present a defence.
  • The couple deny the allegations; Lindsay’s son, Joe Bennett, says no evidence has been presented and raised concerns about transparency and welfare.
  • They have been held in Tehran’s Evin Prison after being detained in January 2025 during an around-the-world motorcycle trip.
  • The case strains UK–Iran relations and heightens geopolitical risk closely watched by markets and policymakers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic?
The UK condemned Iran’s 10-year sentence against British nationals Craig and Lindsay Foreman on espionage charges, with officials pledging continued efforts to secure their release.
Who are Craig and Lindsay Foreman?
They are a British couple detained in January 2025 while traveling through Iran. They deny espionage allegations and, according to family, faced a three-hour October 27, 2025 trial without the chance to present a defence.
What has the UK government said or done?
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the verdict totally unjustifiable and said the UK will press Iran for the couple’s release while providing consular support to the family.

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