LONDON (AP) — Relatives of a British couple detained in Iran expressed their distress over the situation, indicating it has caused "significant concern" for the family. They are actively working to secure the safe return of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, who were reportedly traveling around the world on motorbikes when they were apprehended in January.

According to Iran's official news agency, the couple was arrested in the southern city of Kerman on security-related charges. However, the report did not disclose their names or provide further details regarding their case. A family statement released through the U.K. Foreign Office confirmed their identities as Craig and Lindsay Foreman, shedding light on the troubling situation.

The couple reportedly entered Iran from Armenia on December 30, with plans to travel to Pakistan next. Their family expressed deep concern over the unexpected turn of events, stating in a public statement, "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." The Foreman family is coordinating efforts with U.K. officials to navigate the complexities surrounding their detention.

The family emphasized their unity and determination, stating, "The family are united in our determination to secure their safe return." In a show of support, the U.K. ambassador met with the couple, and the U.K. Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular assistance to them during this distressing period.

Iran has a noted history of detaining Western nationals on various security charges. The country has been accused of using such detainees as bargaining chips in negotiations with the West, a claim that Iran consistently denies. Notably, in 2022, Iran released British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe after she spent over five years in detention on charges related to plotting against the Iranian government, a claim that she and her supporters have vehemently denied.

The situation surrounding the Foremans highlights ongoing tensions and the precarious nature of international relations involving Western nationals in Iran. As both the family and U.K. officials work diligently to address the couple's detention, concerns about their safety and potential future developments remain at the forefront of discussions.