An Irishman kidnapped in Iran returned to the country today and spoke of his terrifying ordeal at the hands of his captors.

The Iranian government is working to secure the release of an Irish tourist kidnapped over a week ago, it emerged today.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has named the Irish tourist kidnapped in Iran earlier this week as Aidan Leahy, a mechanic in his 30s who lives in London.

Armed drug smugglers have kidnapped one Irish and two German tourists who were on a cycling trip and are demanding €5m for their release.