Iran has reportedly sought the return of an Iranian national imprisoned in the United Kingdom as part of diplomatic discussions, raising the prospect of a prisoner exchange similar to past arrangements. The individual in question, Richard Jan, has been held in a high-security prison in Britain for 23 years.

Richard Jan’s case was reportedly brought up during a recent consular meeting with Iranian officials, who are believed to be pressing for his release. Advocates for Jan, including members of the Foreman family, view the potential exchange as a possible route to securing his freedom. The Foremans have described Jan’s return as perhaps the "only avenue" to negotiate a resolution after his case was reportedly raised by Iranian authorities during talks.

Jan’s incarceration has also been referenced previously in the context of negotiations concerning the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman detained in Iran for six years. Zaghari-Ratcliffe was freed following the British government’s resolution of a £400 million arms debt with Iran, a move widely seen as instrumental in facilitating her release.

The UK government has rejected claims of an imminent prisoner swap involving Jan. A spokesperson maintained there is “no truth whatsoever to the claims of a potential exchange arrangement.” However, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy acknowledged the possibility of such agreements, stating in an interview on Sky News that “arrangements can be made” when discussing the issue.

Diplomatic efforts involving incarcerated nationals have been a persistent feature of UK-Iran relations, with detainees often becoming focal points in broader political negotiations. While the UK officially denies any negotiations on a swap involving Jan, sources close to the discussions suggest that his case remains a sensitive topic amid ongoing bilateral talks.

No official confirmation has emerged from Iranian authorities regarding the proposed exchange, but the situation underscores the complexities faced by individuals held abroad and the diplomatic channels working toward their release. The case continues to attract attention from human rights advocates and family members seeking resolution after two decades of imprisonment.