The family of two Britons detained in Iran said they are “united in our determination to secure their safe return”.
Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a couple in their early fifties, were reportedly on a trip across the world on motorbikes and had been due to end their journey in Australia.
They were arrested in January and detained on unspecified security-related charges. They were pictured meeting the British ambassador Hugo Shorter at the public prosecutor’s office in Kerman, southeastern Iran.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, their 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.
“We truly appreciate the outpouring of support from friends, family, and the community, which has provided us with strength and encouragement as we face this ordeal.”
They added: “Thank you for your understanding, compassion, and continued support.”
The BBC reported the couple had crossed into Iran from Armenia on 30 December and had planned to be in Pakistan on 4 January.
After visiting the cities of Tabriz, Tehran and Isfahan while sharing their journey on social media, they had been due to arrive in Kerman but failed to check into their hotel.
Ms Foreman was said to be carrying out a research project as part of the journey, asking people what constitutes a “good life”. She was due to present her findings at a conference on positive psychology in Brisbane in July, the BBC reported.
Posting on Facebook, Ms Foreman acknowledged that travelling to Iran, against Foreign Office advice, and to Pakistan was risky and “slightly scary”.
She wrote they were “aware of the risks”.
A Foreign Office spokesperson earlier said: “We are providing consular assistance to two British nationals detained in Iran and are in contact with the local authorities.”
With regards to travelling to Iran, the Foreign Office website says: “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.”
British citizens have previously been held by the Iranian regime. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Annosheh Ashoori, who are dual British-Iranian citizens, were released in March 2022 after being held for several years in Iranian prisons.
