A British couple who have been detained in Iran have been named as Craig and Lindsay Foreman.

       Their family said the situation was causing “significant concern”.

       The couple were reportedly detained in January but Iran’s state-run media revealed this week they had been accused of security-related offences.

       The couple were travelling around the world on motorbikes when they were held, according to reports.

       A statement from the family said: “We would like to take this opportunity to address the distressing situation concerning Craig and Lindsay Foreman who are currently being detained in Kerman, Iran.

       “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.

       “We are actively engaging with the British government and relevant authorities, working diligently to navigate the complexities of this matter.

       “The family are united in our determination to secure their safe return.”

       The husband and wife were ultimately heading for Australia and crossed into Iran from Armenia on December 30, according to social media posts.

       Mrs Foreman is carrying out a research project as part of the journey, asking people what constitutes a good life.

       The couple had shared a number of updates from the Middle Eastern country, and had been planning to enter Pakistan next.

       “To put your minds at rest, we are having the most amazing time in Iran,” they posted on Facebook on January 3.

       Iran has often arrested foreign nationals or those with dual citizenship on trumped up security charges as a way to win concessions from other nations.

       In 2016, charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a dual British-Iranian national, was accused of spying - charges she has strongly denied - and imprisoned for six years.

       Her ordeal was only ended in 2022 when the UK settled a long-standing debt of ￡400m for 1,300 Chieftain tanks ordered and paid-for by the Shah of Iran, but not sent to the country following the Islamic Revolution which toppled him.

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