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UK Names Envoy as Iran Extends Foreman's Sentence to 12

7/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Craig Foreman's prison term in Iran was extended by two years to twelve years.
Since May, Craig and his wife Lindsay have been on a hunger strike, with severe weight loss reported.
UN special rapporteurs Dr Alice Edwards and Mai Sato said the couple appears wrongfully detained and denied fair-trial rights.
The UK named Alistair Burt its first envoy for detained Britons, a move the family welcomes.

History

Historical Context

In November 1979 Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 66 Americans—52 for 444 days—until the Algiers Accords ended the crisis in January 1981. President Jimmy Carter relied on diplomatic channels, notably Algerian mediation, to secure release. Britain’s creation of a dedicated envoy for detained Britons echoes that same diplomatic strategy.

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Story summary

Craig Foreman's prison term in Iran was extended by two years to twelve years.
Since May, Craig and his wife Lindsay have been on a hunger strike, with severe weight loss reported.
UN special rapporteurs Dr Alice Edwards and Mai Sato said the couple appears wrongfully detained and denied fair-trial rights.
The UK named Alistair Burt its first envoy for detained Britons, a move the family welcomes.

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