![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/new-zealand-instagram-couple-relieved-after-leaving-iran/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/127391621_1666819312980.jpg&description=Image source, Expedition Earth instagramImage caption, Topher Richwhite and Bridget ThackwrayA New Zealand couple who went silent after entering Iran almost four months ago say they are "extremely relieved" to have finally returned home.Topher Richwhite and Bridget Thackwray arrived there in July as part of a tour they were documenting for their social media page, Expedition Earth.But fears were raised after they abruptly stopped posting on their Instagram account.It is unclear what happened after they entered Iran.In a video since deleted from their page, Mr Richwhite - the son of one of New Zealand's richest men - said the couple had been stopped at the Iranian border, where the vehicle was inspected. Their page - usually filled with colourful updates of their adventures - fell silent soon after a terse meeting with border officials. New Zealand media reported that the newlyweds had not been imprisoned, but that they were unable to leave Iran and that their movements were being restricted and monitored by regime officials. Tehran insisted that the pair had not been imprisoned or detained, and the government in Wellington was reluctant to comment while discussions were ongoing - in fear of jeopardising their release. In September, New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta raised the issue with her Iranian counterpart, and the couple were finally released on Tuesday after months of negotiations. "We assisted two individuals to secure the necessary documentation in order to leave," Ms Mahuta said on Wednesday. "During the period of time we were working alongside them, their movements were restricted. They were monitored but they were safe and well."In a short statement released on Wednesday, the couple said they were "most grateful to all those who have supported us over recent months and thank them sincerely for all their help during this challenging chapter". "We are safe and well, however we would ask for privacy for ourselves and our families over the coming day){kind=link}
A New Zealand couple who went silent after entering Iran almost four months ago say they are “extremely relieved” to have finally returned home.
Topher Richwhite and Bridget Thackwray arrived there in July as part of a tour they were documenting for their social media page, Expedition Earth.
But fears were raised after they abruptly stopped posting on their Instagram account.
It is unclear what happened after they entered Iran.
In a video since deleted from their page, Mr Richwhite – the son of one of New Zealand’s richest men – said the couple had been stopped at the Iranian border, where the vehicle was inspected.