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

UK Security Adviser at US-Iran Talks Saw Deal as Viable

The Guardian has disclosed that Jonathan Powell, the UK’s national security adviser, attended the last round of talks between the US and Iran. He assessed the deal Tehran presented on its nuclear programme as significant enough to halt the imminent threat of war. According to sources, Powell found the progress in Geneva late in February surprising, suggesting a breakthrough might have been achievable.

Two days after the negotiations concluded, with a follow-up Vienna session scheduled, the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran. Powell’s close involvement in the discussions, confirmed by three sources, highlighted his role as a key advisor. His presence at the talks in Geneva, held at Oman’s ambassadorial residence in Cologny, underscored concerns about US expertise, particularly in the absence of a robust technical team.

Oman Mediates, UK Team Expected Next Round

The indirect talks in Geneva were mediated by Oman’s foreign minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. A former official noted that the UK team anticipated the next phase of negotiations in Vienna, based on the progress made. However, the US and Israel’s coordinated strike disrupted this plan, occurring two days before the scheduled Vienna meeting on March 2.

One western diplomat remarked that Powell believed a deal was possible, though Iran hadn’t yet met all conditions, especially regarding UN inspections of its nuclear sites. “The British team expected the next round to proceed, but the attack intervened,” the diplomat added. Powell’s familiarity with the talks also allowed him to bring a UK Cabinet Office expert, emphasizing his strategic role in the process.

UK’s Reluctance and Trump’s Criticism

The UK government’s hesitation to endorse the US attack on Iran has strained its relationship with Washington. Officials cited lack of evidence for an immediate Iranian missile threat to Europe or the acquisition of a nuclear weapon. This marked the first public indication of Britain’s deep involvement in the talks, providing a rationale for its decision to oppose the strike.

Downing Street declined to comment on Powell’s participation or his evaluation of the talks. Keir Starmer faced criticism from Trump for not fully backing the assault, including delaying the use of British military bases until Iran began targeting UK allies in the Gulf. Trump warned that this reluctance could weaken NATO’s unity, particularly over the demand to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

“Witkoff and Kushner did not bring a US technical team with them. They used Grossi as their technical expert, but that is not his job. So Jonathan Powell took his own team,” said a former official. “The UK team was surprised by what the Iranians put on the table. It was not a complete deal, but it was progress and unlikely to be their final offer.”

UK officials noted their admiration for Iran’s readiness to commit to a permanent agreement, unlike the 2015 nuclear deal with sunset clauses. Iran had also agreed to down-blend 400kg of highly enriched uranium, a detail that raised eyebrows among nuclear experts. Despite these points, the attack proceeded, leaving the UK to argue that it was both unlawful and premature, as diplomatic avenues remained open.