South Korean citizens held in Iran on suspicion of smuggling

Officials in Seoul confirmed on December 1 that two South Korean nationals have been detained in Iran on suspicion of smuggling.

The pair, along with an Iranian citizen, were reportedly arrested around November 20 in the country’s southwestern region, Caliber.Az reports, citing South Korean media.

One of the South Koreans works for a public institution in South Korea, while the other is a Korean resident living in Iran. All three face the same charges, although Iranian authorities have not yet released detailed information about the case.

South Korean diplomats have been in contact with Iranian officials and the local embassy to provide consular support to the detainees.

“It is difficult to disclose details as the case is still under investigation by local authorities,” a government official in Seoul said.

The incident comes amid rising tensions in the region, highlighting the risks faced by foreign nationals navigating legal and regulatory frameworks in Iran.

By Aghakazim Guliyev