The family of an East Sussex couple detained in Iran say they have spoken to them for the first time in three months.
Lindsay and Craig Foreman were sentenced to 10 years in jail over espionage charges, which they both deny, and are being held in Evin prison.
Lindsay’s son, Joe Bennett, said hearing his mum’s voice was “an enormous relief” and encouraged the government to visit the couple as the UK embassy in Iran reopened last week after closing due to ongoing security concerns in the region.
A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson confirmed staff had returned to the embassy and said the pair’s health and welfare was a “top priority”.
Bennett, who lives in Folkestone, said the 12-minute phone call was their first official conversation since the couple ended their hunger strikes.
He said his mother told him she and her husband were “slowly rebuilding their strength” after losing a substantial amount of weight.
“Just hearing mum’s voice properly again was an enormous relief,” he added.
“We only had 12 minutes, but after everything that has happened, those 12 minutes meant a great deal.”
Bennett said his mother and her partner had remained “mentally resilient” and “determined to return home”.
Bennett claimed the conversation was “monitored” and conducted with an interpreter present, limiting what could be discussed.
He is now calling for the UK Government to take “swift action” to arrange an urgent consular visit and ensure the couple receive appropriate medical care.
He also hopes to meet with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and for the government to use all available diplomatic and legal channels to secure their release.
He said the family was particularly concerned the couple did not receive a full medical assessment following their hunger strikes.
