The Australian woman convicted and jailed in Iran has been named as University of Melbourne academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert.

Key points: Dr Moore-Gilbert's family said they believed diplomatic channels would offer the best chance of securing her safe return

Dr Moore-Gilbert's family said they believed diplomatic channels would offer the best chance of securing her safe return The Melbourne academic has reportedly been sentenced to 10 years in jail

The Melbourne academic has reportedly been sentenced to 10 years in jail An Australian couple have also been arrested by authorities in Tehran

Dr Moore-Gilbert has reportedly been sentenced to 10 years in jail by Iranian authorities.

Another Australian couple, Perth travel bloggers Mark Firkin and Jolie King, have also been arrested and are being held in Tehran in an unrelated incident.

In a statement issued via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Dr Moore-Gilbert's family thanked the Government and the University of Melbourne for their "ongoing support at this distressing and sensitive time".

"We believe that the best chance of securing Kylie's safe return is through diplomatic channels," the statement said.

"We will not be making any further comment and would like to request that our privacy — and that of our wider family and friends — is respected at this time."

In a separate statement, the University of Melbourne said it was in close contact with the Australian Government and Dr Moore-Gilbert's family and would not be providing further comment about the "sensitive matter".

The BBC reports that Dr Moore-Gilbert holds a UK passport.

Payne had talks with Iranians in Bangladesh

Dr Moore-Gilbert is a Middle East expert at the University of Melbourne's Asia Institute, specialising in the Arab Gulf states. She has also studied at Cambridge.

It is understood Australian and Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Marise Payne, met on the sidelines of a summit in Bangladesh last week to discuss the cases.

Dr Moore-Gilbert is a Middle East expert at the University of Melbourne's Melbourne Asia Institute. ( University of Melbourne )

There are no details as to what Dr Moore-Gilbert is accused of. She was arrested and convicted late last year.

Senator Payne previously confirmed three Australians were behind bars in Iran, telling Parliament the Federal Government had been lobbying for their release.

"I have communicated with my Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Zarif, many times about these cases, including through face-to-face meetings," she told the Senate on Thursday.

Dr Moore-Gilbert had been named in Persian-language media before DFAT issued the statement on behalf of her family.

The Department's Smartraveller website urges people to reconsider the need to travel to Iran "due to the risk that foreigners, including Australians, could be arbitrarily detained or arrested."

Perth travel bloggers Mark Firkin and Jolie King were also detained as prisoners about 10 weeks ago after being arrested for reportedly flying a drone without a permit.

They have been travelling around the world since 2017 and documenting their adventures online.

Online followers raised concerns after the bloggers did not post for several weeks.

Jolie King and Mark Firkin have also been detained in Iran. ( Instagram: Jolie King )

"Hey you guys we are getting worried, no post or episode for over a month," one wrote.

"Hope you are both well and safe."