UK Security Adviser Attended US-Iran Talks and Believed Deal Was Within Reach
Britain's national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, was present at the final negotiations between the United States and Iran in Geneva, where he assessed that Tehran's proposal on its nuclear program was significant enough to avert a rapid escalation to war, according to exclusive sources. Powell, with his extensive experience as a mediator, viewed the progress made as "surprising" and indicative of a potential diplomatic breakthrough.
Powell's Role and Insights from the Geneva Talks
Powell's attendance at the talks, along with his detailed understanding of their progression, was confirmed by three independent sources. One source indicated that he was actively involved as an adviser at Oman's ambassadorial residence in Cologny, Switzerland. This involvement highlighted widespread concerns about the US delegation's expertise, which included Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Kushner and Witkoff had invited Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to provide technical support. However, nuclear experts later criticized Witkoff's statements on Iran's nuclear program as containing fundamental inaccuracies. In contrast, Powell brought his own team from the UK Cabinet Office, ensuring a more robust technical assessment.
Details of Iran's Proposal and Diplomatic Reactions
According to sources, Iran's offer included several key concessions:
- A permanent agreement without sunset clauses, unlike the 2015 nuclear deal.
- Down-blending of a 400kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium under IAEA supervision within Iran.
- A commitment to no future stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.
- A three- to five-year pause on domestic enrichment, though the US later demanded a ten-year pause.
- An economic package that would allow US participation in Iran's civil nuclear program, with nearly 80% of sanctions lifted.
Western diplomats noted that Powell believed a deal was achievable, but Iran had not fully met all conditions, particularly regarding UN inspections of nuclear sites. The UK team was reportedly surprised by the extent of Iran's proposals, viewing them as a foundation for further negotiations scheduled in Vienna.
Aftermath of the Talks and UK-US Tensions
Two days after the Geneva talks concluded, and before the planned Vienna negotiations could occur, the US and Israel launched a military attack on Iran. This action has strained the UK-US relationship, as the British government, based on Powell's assessment, saw no compelling evidence of an imminent Iranian threat to Europe or of Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon. The UK regarded the attack as unlawful and premature, believing diplomatic options remained viable.
Downing Street has declined to comment on Powell's involvement or his views. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced criticism from former US President Donald Trump for not fully supporting the attack, including initial reluctance to allow the use of British military bases. Trump has warned that such hesitancy could impact NATO cohesion, especially regarding efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
Broader Implications and Mediation Efforts
The talks were mediated by Oman's foreign minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who viewed Iran's offer on uranium stockpiling as a breakthrough. Gulf diplomats did not specify Powell's exact role, but it may stem from his longstanding relationships, including his previous position as chief of staff to former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Accounts vary on whether Kushner left the talks with an impression that Trump would accept the agreement or if US negotiators knew it would require extraordinary measures to convince Trump against war. One diplomat described Kushner and Witkoff as "Israeli assets" that influenced the president's decision-making. This revelation marks the first clear indication of Britain's deep involvement in the talks, underscoring its rationale for deeming the attack unnecessary and highlighting ongoing diplomatic complexities in the Middle East.
