UK security adviser attended US-Iran talks and judged deal was within reach

UK security adviser attended US-Iran talks and judged deal was within reach

The Guardian has revealed that Britain’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, participated in the concluding discussions between the US and Iran, concluding that Tehran’s proposal on its nuclear programme was substantial enough to avert an immediate military escalation. According to multiple sources, Powell observed notable advancements during the late February talks in Geneva, describing the Iranian offer as unexpectedly favorable.

Two days following the talks, the US and Israel initiated an attack on Iran, despite the agreement of a subsequent technical session in Vienna. Powell’s involvement in the Geneva negotiations, along with earlier meetings in the Swiss city, was corroborated by three individuals. One source indicated that he was present at Oman’s ambassadorial residence in Cologny, serving as an advisor, highlighting concerns over US representatives like Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who were perceived as lacking technical depth in the discussions.

“Jonathan thought there was a deal to be done, but Iran were not quite there yet, especially on the issue of UN inspections of its nuclear sites.”

A former official, who had access to briefings from Geneva participants, remarked: “Witkoff and Kushner did not bring a US technical team with them. They relied on Rafael Grossi, the IAEA director general, as their expert, though that is not his primary role. So Jonathan Powell brought his own team.” This former official noted that the British delegation was taken aback by the Iranian proposal, which, while not a full agreement, represented significant progress and was likely not the final offer.

According to UK officials, the team anticipated the Vienna negotiations to proceed on the basis of Geneva’s developments. However, the attack occurred two days prior, disrupting the planned talks. Powell’s presence at the Geneva talks, alongside earlier meetings, partially accounts for the UK government’s hesitation to endorse the US strike, a stance that has tested the UK-US alliance.

The UK asserted it lacked strong evidence of an imminent Iranian missile threat to Europe or the acquisition of a nuclear weapon. This involvement marked the first time the UK’s close role in the negotiations became evident, providing a rationale for its decision to deem the attack unlawful and premature. Powell believed diplomatic pathways remained viable, with the potential for a long-term agreement that would differ from the 2015 deal in its lack of sunset clauses.

Downing Street opted not to comment on Powell’s participation or his evaluation of the talks. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer faced criticism from Trump for not fully backing the attack, including withholding permission for the use of British military bases initially. Starmer later permitted their use for defensive purposes after Iran began targeting UK allies in the Gulf. Trump also warned that NATO’s European members risked undermining the alliance if they did not support opening the Strait of Hormuz.

The Geneva negotiations were mediated by Oman’s foreign minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. While Gulf diplomats did not disclose the exact criteria for Powell’s access, it may stem from his established ties with the US, particularly his past role as Tony Blair’s chief of staff. UK officials later expressed admiration for Iran’s readiness to commit to a lasting accord, which could offer more enduring constraints on its nuclear programme.