A British couple have been detained in Iran on security charges.
The pair have been named as Craig and Lindsay Foreman and their family have spoken of a "distressing situation" surrounding their arrest.
The Foremans are being held in the city of Kerman on security-related charges, according to Iranian state media.
In a statement, their family said: "This unexpected turn of events has caused significant concern for our entire family, and we are deeply focused on ensuring their safety and well-being during this trying time."
Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been arrested
Foreign Office via PA
The family confirmed they are "actively engaging with the British government and relevant authorities" to secure the couple's release.
"The family are united in our determination to secure their safe return," the statement added.
The couple were travelling around the world on motorcycles when they were detained, having crossed into Iran from Armenia on December 30.
They had been documenting their journey on social media, with plans to ultimately reach Australia.
A post on their Facebook page, titled PPK2K (Positive People Knee-to-Knee) RTW Motorcycle Mission, had described the prospect of visiting Iran as "slightly scary", acknowledging various risks including arrest.
On January 3, they posted reassuringly: "To put your minds at rest, we are having the most amazing time in Iran."
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The couple were travelling around the world on motorcycles when they were detained, having crossed into Iran from Armenia on December 30
PA
The couple had planned to enter Pakistan next, noting they would require "a government provided armed escort for the first few days."
Lindsday was conducting a research project during their journey, asking people what constitutes a "good life". She was due to present her findings at a conference in Brisbane in July.
Their final social media updates painted a positive picture of their experiences in Iran. One post showed Lindsay meeting with a religious leader at the Madrasa Naseriyeh in Isfahan.
"Despite our differences in background, language, and belief, this gesture said everything: I see you. I honour you. We are connected," the post read.
Craig's last Facebook post from Isfahan on January 3 showed selfies of the couple with the caption: "What a wonderful place".
Lindsday's final TikTok post, dated December 28, showed the couple in Armenia.
Iranian state media this week published photographs showing the UK ambassador, Hugo Shorter, meeting the couple alongside Kerman prosecutor Mehdi Bakhshi.
A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed: "We are providing consular assistance to two British nationals detained in Iran and are in contact with the local authorities."
The couple were reportedly detained in January, though Iranian authorities only revealed the security-related charges this week.
The Foreign Office currently warns that Britons risk "arrest, detention and a death sentence" if they travel to Iran.
