Brits Iran have been warned that Iran is not a safe country to go to, especially “if you have blue eyes and blonde hair”.

       The warning comes after a couple riding on a motorbike was arrested by the Islamic regime.

       The incident happened last month when Craig and Lindsay Foreman were detained by security forces in the central eastern city of Kerman while travelling through the country on their globe-trotting motorcycle tour.

       The couple’s identity was recently disclosed by the Iranian state media. They said Craig and Lindsay were being held on unspecified “security-related charges”.

       Craig, a 51-year-old carpenter, and Lindsay, a 52-year-old psychologist, had been openly sharing their international travels on social media.

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       On January 3, they posted a YouTube video of themselves in Yazd, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

       Sources from the Iranian government told Telegraph that the couple is allegedly being used as leverage in political negotiations with the UK.

       A source told The Telegraph: “They weren’t arrested for committing a crime – they’re British citizens and that alone is enough to justify their detention and then phone England and ask for something.

       “They likely took photos of something which has been used as a pretext for their arrest, and now they [the authorities] are trying to get something from England in exchange for their release.

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       “We don’t know exactly what’s happening, but demands may have already been made to England for their release.

       “You don’t need to commit a crime – holding a European passport makes you a target here.

       “If you have blue eyes and blonde hair, Iran is not safe for you – whether you’re a tourist or travelling for business.”

       A statement from the couple’s family said the “unexpected turn of events” had caused “significant concern”, adding: “We are deeply focused on ensuring their safety and wellbeing 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 [sic] united in our determination to secure their safe return.”

       The Foreign Office already advises against all travel to Iran, adding: "British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you."