Seven people with British links have been arrested by Iran's Revolutionary Guard after anti-government protests in the country.
The UK Foreign Office is seeking further information about detainees, who include several dual nationals, as a bulletin by Iran’s state media claimed the detainees were leaders of the recent protests over the death of Mahsa Amini.
Protestors have been demanding the overthrow of Iran's clerical rulers following the tragic death of Ms Amini, 22, who died in police custody.
Ms Amini was arrested for so-called improper dress as her hair was not properly covered.
"During the journey to the police station she was tortured and insulted," her cousin Erfan Mortezaei told Sky News.
The 22-year-old then died.
Widespread outrage at the young woman's death has spread across the nation and in an unprecedented move, women and men have taken to the streets for the last few months to challenge the regime.
Now, the regime is hitting back and beginning to prosecute people for their involvement and reports say that British-Iranian dual nationals have been arrested.
The statement that was published in state media read: “Seven main leaders of the recent protests related to the UK were detained by intelligence services of the IRGC [Revolutionary Guards], including dual nationals, who were trying to leave the country.”
No more information, including what kind of links those arrested have to the UK, has been released.
Sky News reports that the Foreign Office is investigating the claims.
At least two people have been executed for taking part in the protests and there are fears many more may soon be killed too.
Amnesty International criticises what it describes as "sham trials designed to intimidate those participating in the popular uprising that has rocked Iran".
Mosen Shekari was executed on 9 December after being charged with blocking a street in Tehran and attacking a member of the country's security forces with a machete, followed by second prisoner, Majidreza Rahnavard, in connection with the protests.
Activists warn that at least a dozen people have been sentenced to death in closed-door hearings.
Last week, one of Iran’s most famous actors, Taraneh Alidoosti, was detained by security forces in the capital days after she criticised the state’s use of the death penalty on protesters.
The Tasnim news agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, said she had been arrested due to her decision to publish false and distorted content that incited riots and supported anti-Iranian movements.
