An Iranian-Canadian professor and pro-democracy advocate is being held in custody in Iran, CTV News has learned.

Marie-Christine Lilkoff, a spokeswoman with the Department of Foreign Affairs said the government is aware of the detention of the professor, but would not confirm his name.

The department said the man has dual citizenship and that consular officials in Iran have been in touch with his family and are providing assistance. Few details are available, however, as the family has asked for privacy.

The news emerges as Iran is being accused by the International Atomic Energy Agency of defying a UN Security Council order to stop the enrichment of uranium.

U.S. President George W. Bush said "the world is united and concerned'' about Iran's capacity to make nuclear weapons.