Boris Johnson hints jailed mum Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe could be released as he says trip to Iran was ‘worthwhile’

BORIS JOHNSON declared his freedom flight to Iran had been “worthwhile” today as hopes for the release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe rose.

Speaking in the Commons, the Foreign Secretary said he didn’t want to give “false hope” about the fate of the British mum jailed on trumped up charges.

But he said he had raised “complex consular cases” in each of his bilateral meetings in Tehran including with President Hassan Rouhani.

And he said: “I was frank about the subjects where our countries have differences of interest and approach.

“But our talks were constructive nonetheless.”

He added: “I do not wish to raise false hopes but my meetings in Tehran were worthwhile.

“And while it is not in the interests of individuals to provide a running commentary, the House can be assured the Government will leave no stone unturned to secure their release.”

Challenged about his own gaffe over Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe last month the Foreign Secretary insisted Tehran had told him it had no bearing on her case.

Mr Johnson was slated by MPs after mistakenly claiming the 39 year-old had been teaching journalists in the country when arrested last year.

Her entire defence rested on the fact she was visiting family with her toddler Gabriella.

Mr Johnson said: “The Iranians have always been clear indeed they were clear with me again that none of my remarks in any context had any bearing on any judicial proceedings in relations to any UK consular case.”

The address to the House came a day after Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe said there was “light at the end of the tunnel” after Boris Johnson’s intervention.

A court hearing that could have led to a doubling of her five year sentence was delayed on Sunday.