Couple held in Iran

I agree.

This.

You don't go a country, that's on the don't travel too list and post a load of photos on social media. I don't have Instagram, so no idea what was posted but I'm sure it wasn't hard for the authorities to workout she was r could be on a psychology mission. Which is instant alarm bells to them. The minute they didnt turn up to the hotel, there would have been suspicions about them. I expect anyone from the UK is tracked while there. That's why you are expected to be with a guide. So they did several things that are instant alarm bells to the authorities. Wether you agree with it or not.

A lot of Westerners have a very rose-tinted optimistic (deluded) view of how countries like Iran actually are.

You’re right. It’s probably all about positivity and being your best self and holding space or some other such spectacularly inane drivel.

Apparently they weren't with the tour guide when arrested.

They presumably felt 'connected' to the tour guide and life long friends.

When it's more likely he reported them 10 minutes after they headed off without him.

Hope it was worth it and no, I won’t be donating to the crowdfunding. Pair of utter eejits

As with any official advice, like medical or health advice, it errs on the side of caution because some people have less common sense or are more at risk. But Foreign Office advice is making you aware of how limited they may be in being able to help you in case of a crisis or emergency. So, it should be taken seriously.

And of course there are risks for tourists to the UK, especially in areas with higher rates of violent crime or dangerous terrain, tides etc.

I’ve often observed British tourists behaving overseas in ways they likely wouldn’t do in certain parts of their own country, such as wandering around with expensive jewellery/equipment on display or swimming in treacherous tides. Same with cultural awareness. Years ago in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo I saw a British tourist wandering around in a bikini top and arse-revealing shorts, which I doubt they’d have done in the British Museum in London.

This made me laugh but also suspect you might be scarily accurate!

Wonder how many renditions of kumbaya the poor souls stuck in there with them have been subjected to so far.

They were with a tour guide - sighs heavily

Idk if they were running SM travel stuff I wouldn't be surprised.

But agree mad decision

Incorrect: 'High Street' travel insurance won't cover Iran/Russia/other countries on the 'naughty list'. But specialist insurance is available (and the premium isn't as bad as you might think)

Oh, yes, that figures.

@Chuchoter social media is full of Iranian women "gurning at the camera" as you so charmingly put it. The oppression of women (and men) in Iran is very real but Iranian women are not all meek little flowers living in the C16. They are also allowed to uncover their faces and even smile - the major tension with the mortality police is around wearing the hijab, a rule which many women disagree with and often flout.

I don't know why this couple were picked up any more than you do but I seriously doubt a picture of a smiling woman saying how lovely Iran is is anything to do with it. That's good pr for a regime that's trying to encourage tourism (if only for its own nefarious ends).

Several posters are missing the point that of course it's fine to be smiling and pulling faces and gurning for the camera, just not in Iran where they want women to be covered and to stare at the ground.

You're mistaken. The head covering is now enforced more, but young Iranian women are very fashionable, and skinny jeans were de rigeur when I was there eight years ago. And no they don't have to stare at the ground. This is not Afghanistan They are smiley, proud and extremely educated and confident.

I have plenty of photos of me smiling with individuals and groups of Iranian women, all beaming for the camera, too.

This woman smiling in photos will have had no bearing at all on their arrest.

Utter madness. I wouldn't be surprised if they also 'don't read the news because it's too negative these days'.

"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. "

They appeared to think they could bike in, share pictures on fb and bike out again. Then talk about it online afterwards. Perhaps it's good they have been detained since other idiots may have followed their lead. It costs lots of money to get people out again. Costs millions for entitled people to be released.

Several posters are missing the point that of course it's fine to be smiling and pulling faces and gurning for the camera, just not in Iran where they want women to be covered and to stare at the ground.

They will have found her public photos and believe her to be disrespecting Iran and more importantly to them, behaving in a manner that is a bad example to Iranian women.

The oppression is real and if you are seen as flaunting yourself (in their eyes) you will suffer harsh consequences!

Jolly japes do not go down well in Iran where their idea of fun is going to watch a public amputation of a thief.

It never ceases to amaze me, the situations people manage to get themselves into.

Like it’s quite a spectacular feat for some random middle class couple to find themselves in Iranian prison.

I don't think it's that kind of life coaching.....

You’d think a life coach would know that a good bit of life advice is to not travel to countries the Foreign Office tells you not to.

Comes across as patronising, arrogant and very naive. Almost everywhere you go in the world, ordinary people are kind and hospitable. To suggest it’s some kind of revelation to be shared with the world reveals their own prejudice. But the issue is the authorities.

As for conducting ‘research’ I agree that could easily be construed as spying. If you’re going to ignore Foreign Office advice, as a researcher at least do very thorough research on how to minimise risk before you set off.

It's not one image, it's her whole Instagram.

Unfortunately it cements the idea she is a complete fool.

Of course. It’s still risky and against foreign office advice to travel there regardless. But posting on social media and not being culturally aware and respectful isn’t going to help matters.

OMG How very dare she put an image thats not entirely perfect on line. Who does she think she is?
Nobody's expecting sympathy from you but is that really all you have to add?