I work in the security industry in the Middle East at the moment, for what its worth:
Iran, not too much of a problem, the Iranian people are in general friendly, curious and hospitable of foreigners, be very careful of the military and revolutionary guards, you stray too near a military installation or photograph something you shouldnt, then you make the leap from curious foreigner to spy in one easy, bound. Google American Tourists in Iraq Arrested by Iranian Troops on Border. They were arrested in 2009, some are still in Iran
American Tourists in Iraq Arrested by Iranian Troops on Border - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News - FOXNews.com
Also if tension is high between the West and Iran over the Iranian Nuke project you could find yourself in a world of **** if theyre stirring up the people against the west. Not sure what the entry requirements are, as when I was there I was working and it was sorted for me, but it was a while ago
Pakistan - The parts you're planning on going...I wouldn't, Taliban influence is growing the government are slowly losing control, there is a defacto war for control of the regions, the central government have given up trying to impose rule in some parts. Coupled with the mass escape from the prison in Kandehar, the Pakistan tribal region will be flooded with fugitives from that. They are 100% hard line taliban. Google Daniel Pearl if you want to have an idea of what theyre like.
FCO are advising against non-essential travel to Pakistan, again couldn't tell you about tourist visa, i had a working one sorted by my company.
Afghanistan - Forget it, you will just disappear, Afghanistan has had countless American Bounty hunters, thinking they'll get rich by finding Osama, they just disappear, its a regular event. The main route from Pakistan through into
Afghanistan is one of the most dangerous bits of road in the world, the military supply convoys are hit multiple times, they have little to no aircover. You will be mistaken for a western PSD by the Taliban, or Taliban by Nato, not forgetting the amount of unexploded ordnance about the place, or the tribesmen, just taking a liking to your vehicle and selling you to the Taliban.
Add to that the fact that its very difficult to get a Visa into Afghanistan at the moment as Kharzai is trying to put the squeeze on foreign security contractors and companies.
Afghanistan/Tribal Pakistan isn't a case of "cohones" but really stupidity, and putting the guys who might have to look for you at risk, except there wont be many people looking for you.
Like the Australian tourist we found in Basrah 05, he wanted an adventure, he got one when the vehicle he was in was EFP'ed on the way to the COB.
