Iran-UK relations
What happens to Western nationals detained in Iran?
The outcomes for Western nationals detained in Iran vary significantly and cannot be grouped together. Each case has different circumstances that affect the duration of detention, with some detainees being released within months, like an Italian journalist who spent less than a year in custody, while others face prolonged detention, such as Nazanin Zagari Ratcliffe who was held for six years. These cases are unpredictable, with families often knowing about the detention for weeks before it becomes public. The detainees' families typically hope for a quick resolution, though the Iranian authorities handle each situation differently based on various factors, making the outcome uncertain for those involved.
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BBC News
03:59 - 04:50
Were Lindsey and Craig Foreman aware of travel warnings against British nationals going to Iran?
Yes, the couple was fully aware of the travel warnings and openly acknowledged they were defying advice from family, friends, and the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), which explicitly advises against all travel to Iran for British nationals. Lindsey Foreman had posted about their decision to ignore these warnings prior to entering Iran. Despite knowing about numerous arrests of British nationals in Iran on vague security-related charges, the couple chose to proceed with their journey. They believed the potential rewards outweighed the risks, hoping to discover a shared humanity through their travels and cultural experiences in Iran.
Watch clip answer (00:53m)BBC News
02:40 - 03:33