
The Australian and Iranian governments are in intense negotiations for the release of three detained Australian citizens, some of whom have been in Iranian detention for months,Ā The GuardianĀ reported Wednesday.
The UK Foreign Office is also believed involved in pursuing their release, given two of the detained also hold British passports. They includeĀ aĀ female British-Australian professor who was arrested months ago and given a steep 10 year prison sentence, and reportedly now being held in solitary confinement.Ā Ten-year terms are common in Iran in spying-related cases, though the specific charges are as yet unconfirmed.
The other two, arrested weeks ago, are identified as aĀ female blogger and herĀ male traveling companion who had reportedly camped outĀ in a military area around Jajrood in Tehran province, according to reports.