British couple jailed in Iran seeks swap involving UK prisoner Richard Jan

Craig and Lindsay Foreman, both 53, were detained in Iran 17 months ago during a motorcycle tour and later sentenced to 10 years on espionage charges they reject. Foreign Office officials have stated it is "absolutely obvious" the couple are innocent tourists.

The Foremans have urged the government to deport Richard Jan, 59, a British-Iranian dual national who renounced his British citizenship while serving a minimum seven-year sentence for arson and public nuisance. Jan has been held for 23 years, including time on remand, and was recently transferred from HMP Frankland to a secure hospital.

Iranian officials link cases During a consular meeting in Tehran on 29 December 2025, Iranian judicial officials told the Foremans they wanted to discuss Jan's medical care with the British ambassador. Craig Foreman described the exchange as a "light bulb moment," the first time Iranian demands had been raised since the couple's arrest.

The couple's son, Joe Bennett, said Jan's case was presented "with intention" and appeared to be a potential solution. The family has gone public after phone contact with the Foremans was cut and the couple began a hunger strike.

Jan was sentenced in 2004 after a campaign of harassment against council workers and mental health staff that included thousands of nuisance calls, arson, and an assault. He became eligible for deportation in 2010 under the Tariff-Expired Removal Scheme, but the Ministry of Justice blocked removal in 2013.

A joint investigation by The Independent and Sky News found that Iranian officials have pressed for Jan's healthcare and return for 15 years. His case was also part of 2021 negotiations that led to the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe after the UK settled a £400 million arms debt.