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

UK Security Adviser Attended US-Iran Talks and Believed Deal Was Attainable

The Guardian has learned that Jonathan Powell, the UK’s national security adviser, was present during the final US-Iran discussions and believed the Iranian proposal on nuclear programs was substantial enough to avoid immediate conflict. Sources indicate he assessed the agreement as close to being finalized, noting its potential to prevent a hasty military response.

US-Israel Attack Follows Geneva Talks

Two days after the negotiations ended, the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran, despite the progress made in Geneva. Powell’s involvement in the talks, along with his detailed knowledge of their development, was confirmed by multiple sources. One source stated he was in the building at Oman’s ambassadorial residence in Cologny, Geneva, serving as an adviser. This reflects concerns about the US team’s expertise, particularly the influence of Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

“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.”

Kushner and Witkoff had invited Rafael Grossi, the IAEA’s director general, to the Geneva talks for technical insight. However, nuclear experts noted that Witkoff’s statements contained fundamental mistakes. Powell, with his mediation experience, brought an expert from the UK Cabinet Office, according to one source. A former official who reviewed the talks said: “Witkoff and Kushner did not bring a US technical team with them. They used Grossi as their expert, but that is not his role. So Jonathan Powell took his own team.”

The UK team was surprised by the Iranian offer, which was incomplete but showed progress. It was unlikely to be the final Iranian proposal, as the British team expected further negotiations in Vienna. That meeting was scheduled for Monday, 2 March, but never took place. The US and Israel’s attack occurred two days prior, cutting short diplomatic efforts.

UK’s Reluctance and Strained Relations

Powell’s attendance at the Geneva talks, alongside earlier discussions in the Swiss city, partly explains the UK government’s hesitation to back the US strike. This reluctance has placed the UK-US relationship under significant strain. The UK found no clear evidence of an imminent Iranian missile threat to Europe or a nuclear weapon imminent.

The UK’s close involvement in the talks for the first time reveals its confidence in evaluating whether diplomatic options were exhausted. Powell believed a negotiated solution remained possible, even as the US pressed forward with the attack. Downing Street declined to comment on Powell’s presence or his evaluation of the talks. Keir Starmer has faced criticism from Trump for not supporting the strike more vigorously, including initially withholding permission for US use of British military bases until Iran began targeting Gulf allies.

Mediation and Access to Talks

The indirect Geneva talks were mediated by Oman’s foreign minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. Gulf diplomats did not clarify the basis for Powell’s access to the discussions, though his long-standing ties with the US—such as his role as Tony Blair’s chief of staff—may have played a part. UK officials later remarked on Iran’s willingness to commit to a permanent deal, unlike the 2015 nuclear agreement, which included sunset clauses.

Iran had also agreed to down-blend a 400kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium under the new terms. This decision highlighted the potential for a lasting resolution, even as tensions escalated.