Australian-British Kylie Moore-Gilbert was named on Saturday as the woman reportedly sentenced to a 10-year jail term at Tehran's notorious Evin prison.

While the charges against her remain unclear, 10-year terms are routinely given in Iran for spying charges, the Times of London previously reported.

Dr Moore-Gilbert is a lecturer in Islamic studies at the Asia Institute and specialises in Middle Eastern politics with a focus on the Arab Gulf states, her work profile states.

She has been held in jail for several months.

Her family said they have been "in close contact with the Australian government", according to a statement issued on Saturday.

"Our family thanks the government and the University of Melbourne for their ongoing support at this distressing and sensitive time," the statement reads.

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

The university issued a similar statement about their employee.

"The University of Melbourne has been and will continue to be in close contact with the Australian government and Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert's family," it reads.

Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne told the Senate on Thursday three Australians were being held in prison in Iran, in relation to two separate cases.

"I want to acknowledge those officials who have been working with me very hard behind the scenes to secure the release of these three Australians," she said.

"The government has been making efforts to ensure they are treated fairly, humanely and in accordance with international norms."

Globetrotting Perth couple Mark Firkin and Jolie King were also confirmed this week as being held in the same prison for flying a drone without a licence.

The notorious Evin prison is where Iran holds its political prisoners and has a reputation as the scene of various human rights abuses, including summary executions.

Australian Associated Press