Son of British detainee in Iran hopes for Trump help

Relatives of Lindsay Foreman and her husband Craig Foreman denies claims of espionage

The son of a woman currently detained in Iran on espionage charges has expressed hope that US President Donald Trump could intervene to help facilitate her release.

Lindsay Foreman and her husband Craig Foreman, from East Sussex, were arrested by Iranian authorities in January while travelling the world.

The family denies claims of espionage, saying the charges are politically motivated.

Following reports that Trump wants to improve diplomatic relations with Iran after signing the Gaza peace plan, Ms Foreman's son Joe Bennett said he "absolutely" wanted the president to step in.

Mr Bennett, from Kent, said: "The US and UK have always been very strong allies, and I'm hoping that if there's a deal on the table, he [Trump] at least knows that my mum and Craig are there, and are there wrongfully."

When asked whether he would like Trump to get involved in the couple's case, he said: "If it comes to a point where he has brokered a deal with Iran, and those deals are productive, then yeah, why not? Because it means that they come home."

Mr Bennett's comments come shortly after the family announced that Ms Foreman had been transferred from Qarchak Prison to the notorious Evin Prison on Thursday.

Three women died at Qarchak in September, having been denied medical treatment, and 19 prisoners have since gone on hunger strike to protest against conditions inside the facility, the family said.

'Agonising limbo'

Mr Bennett said he was "sick with worry" over reports of what was happening at the female-only facility.

Iran Human Rights has reported that the "most basic principles of human dignity" are disregarded at Qarchak.

Prisoners experience violence, abuse, overcrowding, unsanitary drinking water, a lack of basic facilities, inadequate healthcare and degrading treatment, the non-governmental organisation wrote.

Mr Bennett said transferring his mum to Evin Prison, where Craig is currently detained, does not "change the bigger picture".

Mr Bennett said the couple, including his mum Lindsay, were "trapped" and "frightened"

"She is still an innocent British woman, wrongfully imprisoned in Iran, living day to day in fear and uncertainty," he said.

Ms Foreman's eldest son added that the family was in an "agonising limbo" as they awaited news following a court hearing in Tehran on 27 September.

"Every day that passes without news is another day of torment for them," he said.

"They are trapped, frightened, and cut off from the world, not knowing what their future holds.

"The psychological toll must be unimaginable," he said.

The BBC previously heard that the couple were "bargaining chips" between Iran's government and Western states.

Mr Bennett urged the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to act urgently to secure their release.

"We need a clear plan from the UK Government. They cannot allow this to drift any longer. The time for action is now."

The FCDO said it was providing the Foremans with consular assistance and remained in close contact with their family members.

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

The FCDO advises against travel to Iran for British and British-Iranian nationals, who it says are at "significant risk" of detention.