A BRITISH-Iranian woman who has been in an Iranian jail since 2016 may be granted a temporary release following an outbreak of coronavirus in the prison where she is being held, according to her local constituency MP.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe could be released on furlough from the country's Evin prison in Tehran either today or Wednesday, Hampstead and Kilburn MP Tulip Siddiq said.

She tweeted this morning: "News from Iranian Ambassador that my constituent Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe may be released on furlough today or tomorrow from prison in Iran.

"If this is true, Nazanin would welcome leaving Evin jail, but we've been here before."

Siddiq added: "If this furlough happens, the British government has an obligation to make it permanent, and not let her be used as a bargaining chip in the weeks to come.

READ MORE: Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe said to have coronavirus in Iran prison

"I remain concerned that Nazanin has told her family that she has still not been tested for coronavirus."

Iran is among the worst-hit countries outside of China, where the virus originated.

As of this morning, there had been 1501 cases recorded in the country, with 66 deaths. The outbreak was said to have reached the prison last week.

Hamid Baeidinejad, Iran's ambassador to the UK, had tweeted: "Mr. Esmaili, the spokesman of Iran's judiciary, announced that Mrs. Nazanin Zaghari is in good health condition and has not been affected with Coronavirus.

"He added that one of the prisoners with security charge will be granted a furlough today or tomorrow to join family."

READ MORE: Iran announces 77 deaths amid coronavirus outbreak

Richard Ratcliffe revealed his wife had been showing symptoms of coronavirus, but has still not been tested.

He said last night that the Iranian ministry of foreign affairs had falsely told the Foreign Office (FCO) that she had been tested for the disease and confirmed to be negative.

But his wife denied she had been tested and he had told the FCO.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Ratcliffe said his wife had been told nothing of her potential release as of Monday.

"Nazanin would be very, very pleased to come out of prison," he said.

READ MORE: Coronavirus spread accelerates in Middle East, Europe and South Korea

"However, I think it is a game by the Iranian authorities to avoid responsibility for testing and treating Nazanin for coronavirus.

"And our experience of furlough last time was very negative. It just made us a different kind of bargaining chip and the family were exposed to all sorts of threats from the Revolutionary Guard.

"So the UK Government needs to make sure it can protect her and her family."

Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested at Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport while travelling with her young daughter, Gabriella, to meet her parents in April 2016.

She was sentenced to five years in prison over allegations of plotting to overthrow the Tehran government.

She has been afforded diplomatic protection by the UK Government, which states that she is innocent and that her treatment by Iran failed to meet obligations under international law.

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The UK Government is understood to be seeking clarification from the Iran on the situation.

An FCO spokesman said: "We are urgently seeking information from the Iranian authorities on reports that coronavirus is spreading in Evin prison. We call on the Iranian government to immediately allow health professionals into Evin prison to assess the situation of British-Iranian dual nationals there."

Alyn Smith MP said: “Reports that Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe will be released from prison and allowed to join her family is welcome news, and we await further updates.

“Boris Johnson has a special responsibility to Zaghari-Ratcliffe given his wrongful briefing that has exacerbated the situation.

“The Prime Minister must now put pressure on the Iranian authorities to secure the full release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, and to ensure she receives the medical support that she needs."