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Foreign ministers

UK Foreign Secretary Sidesteps Questions on Legality of US Strikes on Iran

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Monday refused to comment on the legality of the US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, saying it was up to Washington to answer such questions. Lammy's remarks came as British officials have been trying to keep their criticism of the US action implicit, urging Iran to return to the negotiating table. Lammy acknowledged that the strikes "may also have set back Iran's nuclear program by several years" but emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions, warning that Iran's nuclear ambitions could lead to proliferation across the Middle East. He also sidestepped questions on US President Donald Trump's comments on regime change in Tehran, stating that discussions with Iran involving France, Germany, and the UK were "very tough".

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, refused to comment on the legality of the US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, citing the need for Washington to answer such questions.
  • Lammy acknowledged that the strikes "may also have set back Iran's nuclear program by several years" but emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions.
  • The UK Foreign Secretary stressed that discussions with Iran involving France, Germany, and the UK were "very tough" and that Washington and Iran's positions remained far apart.
  • Lammy warned that Iran's nuclear ambitions could lead to proliferation across the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of a diplomatic solution.
  • The Foreign Secretary expressed concerns over Donald Trump's comments on regime change in Tehran, stating that discussions with Iran were focused on military targets, not regime change.
  • Lammy repeatedly stated that Iran was in breach of its obligations by enriching uranium to levels of purity as high as 60%.

Statistics:

  • Iran's uranium enrichment levels: up to 60% (according to Lammy)
  • The number of years the strikes may have set back Iran's nuclear program: reported to be several years
  • The percentage of nuclear enrichment allowed under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal: 3.67%
  • The date of the Iran nuclear deal: 2015
  • The assessment by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding Iran's nuclear program: no evidence of seeking a nuclear bomb

Sources:

  • [BBC Radio 4's Today programme]
  • David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
  • US Secretary of State
  • Carl Bildt, former Swedish Prime Minister
  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

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