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

UK Security Adviser at US-Iran Talks, Believed Deal Close to Completion

The Guardian has disclosed that Britain’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, participated in the final US-Iran discussions and assessed the Iranian offer on its nuclear programme as substantial enough to avert immediate conflict. Sources indicate Powell noted progress in late February, describing the proposed deal as “surprising” despite its incomplete nature.

Two days following the Geneva talks, the US and Israel proceeded with an attack on Iran, despite the UK’s efforts to keep the situation from escalating. Powell’s involvement was confirmed by three sources, who noted his role as an adviser at Oman’s ambassadorial residence in Cologny, where he contributed expertise alongside a UK Cabinet Office representative.

“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 briefed on the discussions explained that Kushner and Witkoff, representing the US, relied on Rafael Grossi of the IAEA for technical input but failed to bring a dedicated US team. This prompted the UK to deploy its own specialists, which were taken aback by Iran’s initial proposal.

“The UK team were surprised by what the Iranians put on the table,” said the former official. “It was not a complete deal, but it was progress and was unlikely to be their final offer.”

While the talks in Vienna were scheduled for March 2, they never materialized. The attack, launched on March 15, underscored the UK’s hesitation to endorse the US action, citing insufficient evidence of an imminent Iranian missile threat or a nuclear weapon program.

Downing Street refrained from commenting on Powell’s presence or his evaluation of the talks. Keir Starmer has faced criticism from Trump for withholding support, particularly by initially restricting the use of British military bases for the operation. The UK allowed their use later for defensive purposes after Iran targeted Gulf allies.

Trump also warned of potential NATO fractures if European members did not agree to assist in opening the Strait of Hormuz, a demand rejected by the UK. The Geneva negotiations were mediated by Oman’s foreign minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, reflecting the country’s diplomatic role in the crisis.

UK officials later expressed appreciation for Iran’s readiness to finalize a permanent agreement, contrasting it with the 2015 nuclear deal’s sunset clauses. The 440kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium was also set to be down-blended under the terms of the proposed accord.