Fifth report: No prosperity without justice: the UK’s relationship with Iran

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.