Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe

Thank you for contacting me about the appalling mistreatment of some dual Iranian/British nationals including Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. Like you, I want to see her and indeed all dual nationals immediately released from Iran.

The Foreign Office is working continuously to assist British nationals detained in Iran, whilst also engaging with the families of these individuals on a regular basis. I feel immense sorrow for Nazanin, herself, her husband, Richard, and their young daughter. The Foreign Secretary met with Richard during his hunger strike and offers her support.

Please be assured issue remains a top priority for the Foreign Secretary and that the Government is exercising every possible diplomatic option to secure the immediate and permanent release of Nazanin and other dual nationals. Our diplomats are working tirelessly to deliver constructive discussions with their Iranian counterparts. As parts of wider talks, Liz Truss spoke with the Iranian Foreign Secretary on 8 November and Foreign Office officials met Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister on 11 November.

Separately, the UK does owe some money to Iran from the era before the Islamic revolution. The sanctions in place, and the treatment of Nazanin and other lead to additional challenges.

Thank you again for taking the time to write.