Also available in Persian — نسخه فارسی EN فا
🔴 Breaking ❓ Unknown

Britain is working to free its citizen from prison in Iran

Jul 20, 2026 July 20, 2026 2 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

The British government is actively seeking the release of Kamal Foroughi, a British-Iranian citizen imprisoned in Iran since 2011 on espionage charges. His case has gained attention following his family's decision to speak out about his situation, highlighting ongoing issues of dual nationality and the treatment of foreign detainees in Iran.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The case of Kamal Foroughi underscores the complexities of dual nationality in Iran.

👥 Key Players

Kamal Foroughi TARGET
British-Iranian citizen
"Kamal Foroughi, 76, who was working as an economic consultant in Tehran, was arrested in 2011."
Philip Hammond ACTOR
British Foreign Secretary
"Philip Hammond, the British Foreign Secretary, has raised Mr. Foroughi's case with Iranian officials."
Hassan Rouhani QUOTED
President of Iran
"Philip Hammond, the British Foreign Secretary, has raised Mr. Foroughi's case with Iranian officials, including Hassan Rouhani."
Jason Rezaian AFFECTED
Reporter for Washington Post
"Currently, several Western citizens with dual nationality are imprisoned in Iran on charges of espionage and security, all of whom are American, including Jason Rezaian."
Amir Hekmati AFFECTED
Former U.S. Marine
"Amir Hekmati, a former U.S. Marine, and Siamak Namazi, a director at Crescent Petroleum's strategic planning office, are also among these American-Iranian citizens imprisoned by the Islamic Republic."
Siamak Namazi AFFECTED
Director at Crescent Petroleum
"Siamak Namazi, a director at Crescent Petroleum's strategic planning office, are also among these American-Iranian citizens imprisoned by the Islamic Republic."

⚡ Actions

British Foreign Office ANNOUNCE Kamal Foroughi
"The British Foreign Office announced that it is working for the release of a British-Iranian citizen."
Confidence: 90%
Philip Hammond NEGOTIATE Iranian officials
"Philip Hammond, the British Foreign Secretary, has raised Mr. Foroughi's case with Iranian officials."
Confidence: 90%
Iranian authorities ARREST Kamal Foroughi
"Kamal Foroughi, 76, who was working as an economic consultant in Tehran, was arrested in 2011."
Confidence: 90%

📰 What Happened

Britain seeks release of Kamal Foroughi, a British-Iranian citizen imprisoned in Iran on espionage charges.

  • British Foreign Office announce Kamal Foroughi
  • Philip Hammond negotiate Iranian officials
  • Iranian authorities arrest Kamal Foroughi

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Because it highlights Iran's treatment of dual nationals and its judicial system.
🌍 Regional: Because it reflects ongoing tensions between Iran and Western nations.
🌐 International: Because it raises concerns about human rights and diplomatic relations.

📚 Background

The case of Kamal Foroughi underscores the complexities of dual nationality in Iran.

📝 Key Evidence

"British diplomats have so far been unable to gain consular access to Mr. Foroughi because Iran does not recognize dual nationality."
→ This proves the challenges faced by dual nationals in Iran.
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 80%
Radio Farda is known for its critical stance on the Iranian government.

The British Foreign Office announced that it is working for the release of a British-Iranian citizen who has been imprisoned in Iran for four years on charges of espionage. Kamal Foroughi, 76, who was working as an economic consultant in Tehran, was arrested in 2011, but this issue only became public about two months ago when his family decided to break their silence. Reuters reported on Thursday, December 3, that a spokesperson for the British Foreign Office stated that Philip Hammond, the British Foreign Secretary, has raised Mr. Foroughi's case with Iranian officials, including Hassan Rouhani. He also mentioned that British diplomats have so far been unable to gain consular access to Mr. Foroughi because Iran does not recognize dual nationality. However, the spokesperson assured that London is seeking his immediate release due to his health condition. Iranian officials have not yet confirmed Foroughi's arrest and have not commented on this matter. Currently, several Western citizens with dual nationality are imprisoned in Iran on charges of espionage and security, all of whom are American, including Jason Rezaian, a reporter for the Washington Post in Tehran. The Iranian judiciary announced less than two months ago that Mr. Rezaian has been sentenced to prison, but the details of this ruling have not yet been made public. Amir Hekmati, a former U.S. Marine, and Siamak Namazi, a director at Crescent Petroleum's strategic planning office, are also among these American-Iranian citizens imprisoned by the Islamic Republic. In this context, the detention of an American-Lebanese citizen in Iran has been confirmed.

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

📰 Related Coverage

⚖️ Independent Platform — Artesh.com is not affiliated with any government, military, or political organization. Editorial Policy →