The UK and Iran

Foreign Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 17 Mar 2020 Closed: 26 Feb 2021 Parliament page
This inquiry will explore the basis of the engagement between the UK and Iran, what it has comprised, and how successful it has been in securing the UK’s foreign-policy objectives. As well as considering both sides of the bilateral relationship, the inquiry will also look at the approaches and priorities … Read more
23 Recommendations
12 Conclusions
1 Report
1 Event
Activity timeline 3 events
26 Feb
2021
Report published
16 Dec
2020
Report published
7 Jul
2020
Informal meeting · Virtual meeting
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Fifth report: No prosperity without justice: the UK’s relationsh… HC 415 16 Dec 2020 35 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
35 results
54 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
In 2019, the FCDO commissioned a review into the department’s handling of complex consular cases.
In 2019, the FCDO commissioned a review into the department’s handling of complex consular cases. The review was conducted by Dame Judith MacGregor and focused on how the department balances the needs of the individual with the needs of the … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the committee's summary of the MacGregor Review, reaffirms its commitment to implementing the review's key findings and recommendations, and expects to provide updates through ongoing engagement with the Committee.
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55 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
The MacGregor Review offers the single best insight into the changes which need to be...
The MacGregor Review offers the single best insight into the changes which need to be made within the FCDO to better equip it to deal with complex ‘consular cases’. We welcome the Government’s commitment to its recommendations but are concerned … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation, reaffirms its commitment to implementing the MacGregor Review's findings and recommendations, and indicates it will provide updates as part of its ongoing engagement with the Committee, without explicitly committing to annual updates.
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56 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
In its written evidence, the FCDO made clear that the strategies employed to secure the...
In its written evidence, the FCDO made clear that the strategies employed to secure the release of detained nationals vary by case.127 The intricacies of the negotiations and representations conducted by the FCDO in the pursuit of justice for detainees … Read more
Government Response
The government noted the committee's views and agreed that Iran should release all arbitrarily detained dual British nationals, outlining ongoing efforts to work with allies and repeatedly press Iran for exceptional consular access and medical care.
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57 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
The FCDO’s current approach to consular disputes is clearly not working.
The FCDO’s current approach to consular disputes is clearly not working. The Key Performance Indicator remains the unconditional and timely release of detained nationals. In this, the range of tools on offer is entirely ineffectual and requires revision. The FCDO … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the committee's views, agrees on the importance of working with allies, and states it will continue to discuss with partners how best to raise arbitrary detention cases, while reiterating ongoing efforts for consular access and medical care.
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58 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
The principal part of international law concerned with hostage taking is the International Convention Against...
The principal part of international law concerned with hostage taking is the International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages, which came into force in 1983. Article 1 of the convention defines the offence of hostage taking.133 Any person who seizes … Read more
Government Response
The government noted the committee's observation, stating it considers the International Convention against the Taking of Hostages in individual cases and continues to use UN and international fora to address arbitrary detention of foreign nationals.
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59 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
The FCDO has rightly stated that the detention of British and dual nationals by Iran...
The FCDO has rightly stated that the detention of British and dual nationals by Iran falls outside the parameters of the Convention which was clearly designed for the specific purpose of combatting individual hostage-takers, rather than state-backed actors.134 Nevertheless, witnesses … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the committee's observation, reiterates its rejection of dual British nationals being used as diplomatic leverage, and states it will continue to consider the 1979 Convention and use international fora to call out arbitrary detention.
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60 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Witnesses involved with some of the higher-profile detentions of UK and dual nationals by Iran...
Witnesses involved with some of the higher-profile detentions of UK and dual nationals by Iran were keen to highlight the benefits which might be gained in defining the term. Charlie Loudon from REDRESS, which has acted on behalf of Nazanin … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the committee's point, affirms its stance against dual nationals being used as diplomatic leverage, and states it will continue to use international fora and discuss with likeminded countries to raise concerns about arbitrary detention, without committing to new frameworks or definitions.
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61 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Charlie Loudon was measured in characterising other countries as more or less successful than the...
Charlie Loudon was measured in characterising other countries as more or less successful than the UK and noted that while that might appear to be an accurate assessment, “There is a lack of authoritative publicly available data on the different … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the committee's observations, asserting it does not accept dual British nationals being used as diplomatic leverage, and will continue to use UN and international fora to call out such behavior and discuss cases of arbitrary detention.
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62 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Regardless of international comparisons, Charlie Loudon noted that “[a]vailable evidence gives a clear indication that...
Regardless of international comparisons, Charlie Loudon noted that “[a]vailable evidence gives a clear indication that the UK’s method has not worked so far, and that the UK needs to rethink its approach and work with other countries to better address … Read more
Government Response
The government noted the recommendation and affirmed its stance against dual nationals being used as diplomatic leverage. It stated it already uses UN and international fora to call out such behaviour and will continue to discuss these issues with likeminded countries.
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63 Recommendation Not Addressed
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
The framework within which action over arbitrarily detained nationals can be taken is severely limited.
The framework within which action over arbitrarily detained nationals can be taken is severely limited. The UK is not alone in not officially recognising the phenomenon of ‘State Hostage Taking’, but the FCDO should acknowledge that Iran’s transactional approach to … Read more
Government Response
The government noted the recommendation and stated they do not accept dual British nationals being used as diplomatic leverage, outlining ongoing efforts to use UN and international fora to call out arbitrary detention but not committing to establish an ad hoc committee or draft a new convention.
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64 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Our predecessor Committee reported on the UK’s sanctions policy after Brexit and explored the possibility...
Our predecessor Committee reported on the UK’s sanctions policy after Brexit and explored the possibility of using Magnitsky sanctions against human rights abusers.146 The Foreign Secretary announced the UK’s first round of Magnitsky-style sanctions in July 2020 against nationals of … Read more
Government Response
The government noted the committee's observation, stating they already impose sanctions against Iranians under a separate human rights regime and the Global Human Rights Sanctions regime, and will continue to consider future designations without speculating on specific targets.
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65 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Iran’s human rights record and selective commitment to upholding international law is a threat to...
Iran’s human rights record and selective commitment to upholding international law is a threat to the rules based international system generally, and a key challenge faced when aiding detained nationals specifically. The FCDO has admirably used international fora to exert … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation, highlighting existing UK sanctions regimes against Iranians involved in human rights violations, and states it will continue to consider future sanctions designations without speculating on specific individuals.
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66 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
The UK has been most successful at securing its objectives vis-à-vis Iran when it has...
The UK has been most successful at securing its objectives vis-à-vis Iran when it has committed to a long-term strategy alongside international partners. However, the UK’s relationship with Iran is bigger than Iran’s nuclear violations, malign regional activity, or human … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the committee's broader view of the UK-Iran relationship and the need to differentiate between the state and people. To strengthen bilateral engagement, the FCDO has increased Farsi-trained personnel and extended tour lengths for postings in Iran, and continues to increase expertise through expert contacts.
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67 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Over the course of millennia, Persians have made significant contributions regionally and internationally to science,...
Over the course of millennia, Persians have made significant contributions regionally and internationally to science, culture, poetry, maths and philosophy. The UK’s difficult relationship with the Islamic Republic has overshadowed its much longer relationship with Persia and the common ground … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the committee's views on Iranian contributions and the UK's responsibility to address human rights violations, detailing several recent actions taken at the UN and with allies to hold Iran accountable and affirming continued commitment.
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68 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Engagement with Iran should not be an end goal in and of itself.
Engagement with Iran should not be an end goal in and of itself. Rather, engagement should seek to encourage Iran to play a positive, constructive and predictable role as a regional power, which uses international norms, respect for human rights … Read more
Government Response
The government agreed with the committee's conclusion, affirming that the UK-Iran bilateral relationship is a key policy tool and that the UK will continue to keep the diplomatic door open and send clear messages regarding engagement, nuclear compliance, and Iran's regional role.
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1 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Disunity in addressing the nuclear issue, especially between the US and the E3, has not...
Disunity in addressing the nuclear issue, especially between the US and the E3, has not served the UK’s interests. Instead, it has disincentivised Iranian engagement with the West and presented an opportunity for Russia and China to pursue their respective … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the observation, stating it shares the strategic aim of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, emphasizes the importance of aligned international diplomatic effort, and welcomes President Biden's commitment to re-enter the JCPoA.
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2 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
A significant weakness of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 was its failure to prohibit Iran...
A significant weakness of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 was its failure to prohibit Iran from developing ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads. In a treaty fundamentally designed to deliver non-proliferation assurances, it is entirely reasonable that the JCPOA … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's point about UNSCR 2231 being a compromise, expresses serious concerns about Iran's ballistic missile program, and urges Iran to abide by existing resolutions, without committing to place new binding restrictions as the committee suggested would be reasonable.
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3 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Iran could be more forthcoming when granting access for IAEA inspections.
Iran could be more forthcoming when granting access for IAEA inspections. Additionally, Iran has publicly stated it would not allow inspection of military sites, despite such visits falling within the terms of the JCPOA. These actions undermine political confidence in … Read more
Government Response
The government noted the recommendation and agreed on the importance of IAEA access, outlining its clear stance that Iran must comply and its efforts to express concern and urge Iran to continue provisional implementation of the Additional Protocol, but did not commit to introducing additional penalties or provisions.
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4 Recommendation Rejected
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Annex I, Section Q, paragraph 78 of the JCPOA does not set out a definitive...
Annex I, Section Q, paragraph 78 of the JCPOA does not set out a definitive timetable for action in a potential period between non-compliance with the Joint Commission and the snapback of sanctions. This lack of clarity has proved contentious. … Read more
Government Response
The government noted the committee's view but stated that Annex I, Section Q, paragraph 78 of the JCPoA already sets out clear timelines for resolving access issues and did not commit to clarifying it further.
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5 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Given the historically covert nature of Iran’s nuclear programme, the lack of good faith it...
Given the historically covert nature of Iran’s nuclear programme, the lack of good faith it has shown in supporting the free and timely inspection efforts of the IAEA, and recent evidence indicating the military dimensions to its nuclear efforts of … Read more
Government Response
The government noted the committee's conclusion, clarifying that Iran's program is currently subject to the most comprehensive IAEA monitoring under the JCPoA, with increased inspector access, and reiterated that Iran must fully cooperate.
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6 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
We agree with the Foreign Secretary that the nuclear deal is imperfect, but Iran’s non-compliance...
We agree with the Foreign Secretary that the nuclear deal is imperfect, but Iran’s non-compliance over the last year has indicated what the nuclear proliferation implications of terminating the JCPOA without a viable replacement might be. A more satisfactory arrangement … Read more
Government Response
The government agreed that terminating the JCPOA without replacement is not in the UK's interest, committed to working closely with E3 partners and the new US administration to deliver renewed transatlantic unity on the deal, and welcomed President Biden's desire to lengthen and strengthen the agreement, noting the committee's recommendations on specific concerns.
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7 Recommendation Rejected
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
We agree with the Government that its long-term goal should be to replace the JCPOA...
We agree with the Government that its long-term goal should be to replace the JCPOA with a broader agreement which additionally addresses regional security. This must learn the lessons from last time and be held in consultation with our allies … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to replace the JCPOA, stating it has never held this as a goal, but agrees on the importance of addressing Iran's nuclear program and destabilizing behavior, consulting with Middle East allies, and learning lessons.
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8 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
The UK’s history in the region, and relationship with the member states of the Gulf...
The UK’s history in the region, and relationship with the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, make it uniquely placed amongst the signatories of the JCPOA to build regional and international consensus on how to meet the challenges posed … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees the UK is well-placed to build regional consensus on Iran's destabilising activity and states it already engages closely with GCC members and will continue to work with regional partners, the E3, and the US to find a sustainable solution.
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9 Recommendation Deferred
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
We recommend that, in the aftermath of the Integrated Review, the Foreign Secretary makes a...
We recommend that, in the aftermath of the Integrated Review, the Foreign Secretary makes a statement to the House to outline specifically what a replacement to the JCPOA should seek to achieve and over what timeframe. In so doing, the … Read more
Government Response
The government stated the Foreign Secretary will update the House on its policy on Iran "when it is appropriate to do so" and will address relevant issues at that time, without committing to a specific timeframe or outlining a replacement for the JCPOA.
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10 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
BBC Persian promotes the shared interests of free people around the world.
BBC Persian promotes the shared interests of free people around the world. The treatment of its staff and their families by Iran is abhorrent, and the Government is right to continue to call out these abuses in international fora.
Government Response
The government welcomed the conclusion, expressed deep concern over harassment against BBC Persian staff, and stated they regularly raise these issues with the Iranian government and will continue to defend BBC Persian's editorial independence.
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11 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Iran will choose to uphold those parts of international law which suit the tenets or...
Iran will choose to uphold those parts of international law which suit the tenets or strategic goals of the Islamic Republic while disregarding the remainder, often at the expense of the Iranian people. The FCDO has made commendable efforts to … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomed the committee's recognition and stated they will continue to express concerns about human rights violations to Iran, including through engagement with the president, and will continue to defend BBC Persian's editorial independence.
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12 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
The Iranian people are the victims of the poor choices made by the Iranian state,...
The Iranian people are the victims of the poor choices made by the Iranian state, yet they are too often a secondary consideration. The UK’s strategy going forward should rebalance this oversight. For the UK-Iran relationship to be meaningful and … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on the mutual benefit of enhancing cultural ties and states it has consistently supported such exchanges without erecting barriers, but highlights Iran's criminalisation of cooperation as an obstacle, confirming continued support and defence of the British Council.
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13 Recommendation Rejected
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
We are satisfied that the actions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp meet the criteria...
We are satisfied that the actions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp meet the criteria for proscription in the Terrorism Act 2000 and see proscription as a logical extension of the existing restrictions placed on members of the IRGC by … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation to proscribe the IRGC but rejects commenting on whether any organization is under consideration for proscription, citing longstanding government policy.
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14 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
The MacGregor Review offers the single best insight into the changes which need to be...
The MacGregor Review offers the single best insight into the changes which need to be made within the FCDO to better equip it to deal with complex ‘consular cases’. We welcome the Government’s commitment to its recommendations but are concerned … Read more
Government Response
The government reaffirms its commitment to implementing the MacGregor Review's recommendations, stating it began implementation immediately, and will update the committee on progress as part of ongoing engagement.
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15 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
The FCDO’s current approach to consular disputes is clearly not working.
The FCDO’s current approach to consular disputes is clearly not working. The Key Performance Indicator remains the unconditional and timely release of detained nationals. In this, the range of tools on offer is entirely ineffectual and requires revision. The FCDO … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the committee's views, agrees on the importance of working with allies, and commits to continuing discussions and pressing Iran for consular access and release of detained nationals, while emphasizing actions are taken in the best interests of detainees.
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16 Recommendation Not Addressed
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
The framework within which action over arbitrarily detained nationals can be taken is severely limited.
The framework within which action over arbitrarily detained nationals can be taken is severely limited. The UK is not alone in not officially recognising the phenomenon of ‘State Hostage Taking’, but the FCDO should acknowledge that Iran’s transactional approach to … Read more
Government Response
The government noted the recommendation and stated they do not accept dual British nationals being used as diplomatic leverage, outlining ongoing efforts to use UN and international fora to call out arbitrary detention but not committing to establish an ad hoc committee or draft a new convention.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
17 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Iran’s human rights record and selective commitment to upholding international law is a threat to...
Iran’s human rights record and selective commitment to upholding international law is a threat to the rules based international system generally, and a key challenge faced when aiding detained nationals specifically. The FCDO has admirably used international fora to exert … Read more
Government Response
The government noted the recommendation, explained its existing sanctions regimes, and stated it would continue to consider future designations without speculating on specific targets, thus not explicitly committing to prioritising Iranian human rights abusers for the next round of Magnitsky sanctions.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
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18 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
The UK has been most successful at securing its objectives vis-à-vis Iran when it has...
The UK has been most successful at securing its objectives vis-à-vis Iran when it has committed to a long-term strategy alongside international partners. However, the UK’s relationship with Iran is bigger than Iran’s nuclear violations, malign regional activity, or human … Read more
Government Response
The government agreed with the importance of a broader relationship and distinguishing between the Iranian State and people. It stated it has already strengthened bilateral engagement by increasing Farsi language training and extending tour lengths for FCDO staff in Iran, and is deepening expertise through external contacts.
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19 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Over the course of millennia, Persians have made significant contributions regionally and internationally to science,...
Over the course of millennia, Persians have made significant contributions regionally and internationally to science, culture, poetry, maths and philosophy. The UK’s difficult relationship with the Islamic Republic has overshadowed its much longer relationship with Persia and the common ground … Read more
Government Response
The government agreed with the committee's view and confirmed its responsibility to call out Iran's human rights abuses. It detailed numerous recent and ongoing actions taken to hold Iran accountable, including statements at the Human Rights Council, joint letters, co-sponsoring UN resolutions, and publishing updates.
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20 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth report: No prosperity withou…
Engagement with Iran should not be an end goal in and of itself.
Engagement with Iran should not be an end goal in and of itself. Rather, engagement should seek to encourage Iran to play a positive, constructive and predictable role as a regional power, which uses international norms, respect for human rights … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the committee, stating that it will continue to keep the diplomatic door open for dialogue with Iran, send clear messages regarding nuclear compliance, and engage in ongoing discussions about Iran’s regional role.
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Government Response AI assessment · 35 of 23 classified
Accepted 14
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 14
Deferred 1
Not Addressed 2
Rejected 3
Total 23 recs + 12 conclusions