A British couple imprisoned in Iran on espionage charges have lost their appeal against their sentences, their family confirmed on Tuesday. The development intensifies the diplomatic pressure on the UK Government to secure their release.
The couple, identified as Mr and Mrs Thompson, were arrested in Tehran in 2022 while on holiday. They were convicted of espionage in a closed trial in March and sentenced to eight years each. Their family, speaking from London, urged the Foreign Office to escalate efforts.
The Foreign Office said it was providing consular support. It declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing the need to protect the couple's privacy. However, diplomatic sources indicated that the UK is exploring all avenues, including a possible prisoner exchange.
The appeal was rejected by the Iranian judiciary, which cited the couple's alleged links to British intelligence. The UK has consistently denied these allegations, describing them as baseless.
The case comes at a time of heightened tensions between London and Tehran over the nuclear deal and Iran's support for proxy groups in the Middle East. Analysts say the couple's detention could be used as leverage by Iran in broader negotiations.
The family called on the UK Government to treat the matter as a national priority. They expressed concerns for the couple's health and safety, although the Foreign Office said their welfare was being monitored.
The UK's ambassador to Iran has visited the couple multiple times. The government has also raised the case at the UN.
The development is likely to strain UK Iran relations further. The UK has previously warned its citizens against all travel to Iran.
The couple's legal team said they would consider further legal options. However, experts note that the Iranian judiciary is heavily politicised and the chances of overturning the verdict are slim.
The Foreign Office statement emphasised that the UK's position on the case remains unchanged and that it will continue to support the couple and their family.
