UK Couple Detained in Iran End Months-Long Hunger Strikes

A British couple detained in Iran on espionage charges have ended their latest months-long hunger strikes after protesting their prison conditions and demanding their release, their family said on Monday.

Lindsay and Craig Foreman, both in their early 50s, were arrested in January 2025 while travelling through central Iran during a round-the-world motorcycle trip.

The couple were each sentenced in February 2026 to 10 years in prison after being convicted of espionage, charges they have denied. Craig later received an additional two-year sentence for speaking to the media, according to his stepson.

The Foremans began their latest hunger strike in May to protest what they described as the serious physical impact of their prolonged detention. Craig reportedly continued the strike for 93 days, while Lindsay lasted 84 days.

Their family said the couple had repeatedly complained about overcrowded and unsanitary conditions at Evin Prison in northern Tehran, a heavily fortified facility known to hold political prisoners and foreign nationals.

“After almost three months of protest, Lindsay and Craig chose to end their hunger strikes,” the family said in a statement.

The family said the couple spent their final five days fasting for what they called “good,” transforming the protest into an effort to draw attention to the rights and welfare of other prisoners in Iran.

The latest action followed a separate month-long joint hunger strike they staged late last year, when they demanded more regular contact with their families.

About a month after the latest hunger strike began, United Nations human rights experts warned that the couple faced serious health risks and raised concerns that their detention could amount to hostage-taking.

Joe Bennett, Lindsay Foreman’s son, said the immediate priority was the couple’s health, welfare and eventual release after more than 18 months in detention.

He also said their situation had become more difficult after the British Embassy in Tehran was closed again on July 22 and began operating remotely.

Bennett, who has been campaigning for their release, has previously expressed concern that the conflict between the United States and Iran could negatively affect efforts to secure the couple’s freedom.

The family continues to appeal to the Iranian authorities and the British government to secure the couple’s release.