Anoosheh Ashoori, a former Iranian prisoner who spent nearly five years behind bars on espionage charges, has expressed deep concern for Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a British couple recently detained in Iran.

The couple, apprehended while on a global motorcycle journey, was charged with espionage earlier this year.

Ashoori, who was arrested in 2017 while visiting his mother in Tehran and later convicted for allegedly spying for Israel's Mossad, has urged the Foremans to refuse any coerced confessions.

He emphasized the importance of their case being public to deter mistreatment by Iranian authorities.

Ashoori described his harrowing experience of solitary confinement and extensive interrogation during his imprisonment.

He related his ongoing psychological struggles, including flashbacks and previous suicide attempts of the trauma faced during his detention.

His own release occurred in April 2022, alongside British-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, after a £400 million debt resolution between the UK and Iran.

Ashoori posited that the motivations behind such arrests often involve political leverage or financial gain.

The couple, having entered Iran from Armenia on December 30, had documented their journey on social media, acknowledging the risks associated with traveling in the country while noting their desire to engage with locals and learn about Iranian culture.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has voiced serious concerns regarding the couple's situation, offering consular assistance.

They advise against all travel to Iran, citing the risks associated with holding a British passport in the region.