Minister expected to raise case of Zaghari-ratcliffe during Iran visit

The case of Nazanin Zaghariratcliffe is expected to be raised by Middle East minister Alistair Burt on a visit to Tehran.

Mrs Zaghari-ratcliffe was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for spying in 2016 but maintains her innocence, saying she was on holiday to introduce her daughter to her family in Iran.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt pledged to redouble efforts for the British-iranian’s release after she passed out during a panic attack and had to be taken to a prison clinic earlier this week.

Now the Foreign Office has confirmed Mr Hunt’s colleague, Mr Burt, will discuss cases of British dual nationals detained in Iran, as well as the future of the Iran nuclear deal and Iran’s destabilising activity in Syria and Yemen.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Burt said: “I will also use the opportunity of my visit to push for the resolution we all want to see in the cases of the British dual nationals detained in Iran.” Mr Burt also said the visit was a “crucial moment for Iran’s relationship with the UK” around the nuclear deal.

He said: “Since the US withdrew from the nuclear deal we, along with European and international partners, have reiterated our support for the deal athrough mechanisms such as EU blocking legislation. As long as Iran meets its commitments under the deal, we remain committed as we believe it is the best way to ensure a safe, secure future for the region.”