UK seriously eyeing to resume diplomatic ties with Iran
By Sara Rajabova
British officials have recently voiced their intentions to re-open the British embassy in Tehran, after it closed following an attack in 2011.
The British shadow foreign secretary said he is seriously pursuing the reopening of the UK embassy in the Iranian capital city, Tehran.
During a meeting with a delegation of Iranian parliamentarians on March 10 in London, Douglas Alexander also underlined the need to promote diplomatic ties between Tehran and London, IRNA news agency reported.
The relations between Iran and Britain remained tense for a long time due to disagreements on Iran's nuclear program. The relations were even more complicated by Iran's allegations that Britain intelligence services had a hand in the murder of nuclear physicist Majid Shahriari in November 29, 2010.
The Iranian parliament approved a draft law envisaging a complete break of diplomatic relations with Britain in December 2010.
The British politician further said the UK has made mistakes with respect to its relations with Iran in the past, but that his country would hopefully make positive and constructive moves for a better future.
Alexander, who is the member of the Labor Party in the British House of Commons, also expressed the shadow administration’s readiness to contribute to the settlement of problems surrounding Tehran’s nuclear issue. Britain is a member of the so-called P5+1 countries engaged in talks with Iran over its nuclear program.
He also highlighted Iran’s significant role in the Middle East and the world, saying London is keen to cooperate with Tehran in different areas.
In October 2013, The UK and Iran agreed on the appointment of chargé d'affaires to restore diplomatic relations which broke off after the British embassy in Tehran was attacked in 2011.
However, the change of power in Iran, and the work on an agreement on Iran's nuclear program has had a positive impact on current relations between the two countries.
Abbas Ali Mansouri Arani, the head of the Iran-Britain Parliamentary Friendship Group, said Iran is willing to promote ties with the UK based on the Islamic Republic’s national interests.
Last September, Abbas Araqchi, deputy Iranian foreign minister said the reopening of the British embassy in Tehran ultimately depends on a decision by parliament, which holds more conservative position on relations with Western countries.
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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
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