Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a British couple in their early 50s, have been detained in Iran and charged with espionage, according to the Iranian judiciary’s Mizan news agency.

The couple, who crossed into Iran from Armenia on December 30, 2022, had intended to stay for only five days as part of a global motorbike journey.

Their arrest reportedly occurred in January, but details emerged recently following state-run media reports indicating that they face unspecified security charges.

The couple was last active on social media on January 3, sharing positive experiences from their travels in Isfahan, where they posted selfies with the caption, 'What a wonderful place.' Their journey was intended to take them to Pakistan shortly after their visit to Iran.

The Foremans’ family expressed deep concern over the situation, describing it as distressing and emphasizing their determination to secure the couple's safe return.

They are actively engaging with the British government and relevant authorities to navigate the complexities of the situation.

The family stated, "This unexpected turn of events has caused significant concern for our entire family, and we are deeply focused on ensuring their safety and wellbeing during this trying time."

British Foreign Office representatives confirmed they are providing consular assistance to the Foremans and are in contact with local authorities in Iran.

A spokesperson stated, "We are deeply concerned by reports that two British nationals have been charged with espionage in Iran.

We continue to raise this case directly with the Iranian authorities."

The UK government maintains a strict advisory against travel to Iran, warning that British and dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest or detention based on their nationality or connections to the UK. In a trend highlighted by human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch, politically motivated arrests have been a growing concern, particularly following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022.

Statistics from the University of Essex indicate that at least 66 foreign and dual nationals have been detained in Iran since 2010, often under vague charges.

Such arrests are frequently interpreted by human rights advocates as acts of political leverage by Iranian authorities.

The latest developments come as Richard Ratcliffe, husband of British-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, called on UK ministers to act more swiftly than in his wife’s case.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe was detained in Iran for five years before her release in March 2022. Ratcliffe noted the importance of ensuring that the Foremans receive proper support during their confinement, highlighting their potential experience of a “brutal theatre” through the court process.

The Iranian authorities have not disclosed the specific details of the charges against the Foremans, and it remains unclear what penalties they might face if convicted.

The penalty for espionage in Iran can range from two years in prison to the death penalty, although the enforcement of these penalties on foreign nationals is not clearly defined.

The situation surrounding the detention of the Foremans continues to develop, drawing significant attention from both the UK government and international human rights organizations.