Australia concerned for 3 held in Iran on spying charges

An Australian government minister on Wednesday expressed concern for three Australians arrested in Iran on suspicion of spying and separated their plight from a tense standoff in the Middle East over the weekend attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities.

Trade Minister Simon Birmingham was responding after Iran on Tuesday acknowledged for the first time that it was holding three Australian citizens, including two British dual nationals, on suspicion of espionage.

"The government continues to seek information and clarity around these matters," Birmingham told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

"We are concerned for the welfare of these individuals and work to make sure their treatment is as fair as possible."