UK security adviser attended US-Iran talks and judged deal was within reach
UK Security Adviser Attended US-Iran Talks and Believed Deal Was Within Reach
Jonathan Powell, Britain’s national security adviser, participated in the concluding discussions between the US and Iran, concluding that Tehran’s nuclear proposal had enough weight to avert an immediate military escalation, the Guardian has learned. According to informed sources, Powell noted advancements in late February and found the Iranian offer “unexpected,” suggesting optimism about the potential for a breakthrough. However, this assessment came just days before the US and Israel executed a strike on Iran, which followed a scheduled technical meeting in Vienna.
His involvement in the Geneva discussions was corroborated by three independent sources. One indicated Powell was stationed at Oman’s ambassadorial residence in Cologny, acting as a consultant. This highlights concerns over the US delegation’s expertise, particularly regarding Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, whose knowledge of the nuclear issue was questioned by nuclear specialists. While Kushner and Witkoff invited Rafael Grossi, the IAEA’s director general, to the talks, they were later criticized for lacking a thorough grasp of the subject matter.
A former official involved in the Geneva proceedings remarked: “Jonathan Powell brought a specialist from the UK Cabinet Office, underscoring his strategic role in the negotiations.” The British team observed that the Iranian proposal, though partial, marked progress and was unlikely to be the final offer. They anticipated further talks in Vienna on March 2, but these were abruptly canceled after the attack. The timing of the strike, occurring two days post-talks, has raised questions about the UK’s hesitation to endorse the US-Israel operation.
“Witkoff and Kushner didn’t have a US technical team. They relied on Grossi, but that’s not his primary function. So Powell’s team was essential,” the official explained.
UK officials emphasized that they saw no urgent evidence of an Iranian missile threat to Europe or of a nuclear weapon being acquired. This involvement in the talks, for the first time publicly acknowledged, illustrates how closely the UK monitored diplomatic efforts before supporting military action. Powell maintained that a negotiated resolution remained feasible, even as the US pushed for a swift response.
Downing Street has not yet commented on Powell’s participation or his evaluation of the talks. Keir Starmer has faced criticism from Trump for withholding military base access initially, only allowing it later for defensive use after Iran’s attacks on UK Gulf allies. Trump also warned that Nato might suffer if European members didn’t comply with his call to assist opening the Strait of Hormuz, a demand that was rejected.
The indirect negotiations in Geneva were led by Oman’s foreign minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. Though Gulf diplomats did not detail the criteria for Powell’s inclusion, it may stem from his long-standing ties with the US, including his role as Tony Blair’s chief of staff. UK officials later highlighted that Iran’s readiness for a permanent agreement, without sunset clauses, was a key factor in their cautious stance.