ISTANBUL

Iran has detained two South Korean nationals over charges related to alleged smuggling, the Seoul-based Yonhap News reported on Monday, citing diplomatic sources.

Two South Koreans, along with one Iranian national, were detained around Nov. 20 in the southwestern region of the country on smuggling charges, the sources said.

One of the arrested South Koreans is an employee of a South Korean public institution, and the other is a resident in Iran, with all three facing the same charges, according to the sources.

No immediate statement was available from Tehran regarding the claims in the report.

South Korean diplomatic officials said they have been in contact with the local embassy and Iranian authorities since the incident and are providing the necessary consular support to those affected.

"It is difficult to disclose details as the case is still under investigation by local authorities," a government official from South Korea said.