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

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

The Guardian has disclosed that Jonathan Powell, Britain’s national security adviser, participated in the concluding negotiations between the US and Iran. He assessed the offer from Tehran regarding its nuclear program as substantial enough to avert an immediate military escalation. According to sources, Powell noted significant progress during late February talks in Geneva and described the Iranian proposal as “surprising.”

UK’s role and concerns over US expertise

Three sources confirmed Powell’s presence at the talks, where he served as an adviser. His involvement highlighted worries about the US team’s technical knowledge, particularly concerning Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff, the special envoy. While Kushner had invited IAEA director Rafael Grossi to provide technical insight, experts later pointed out that Witkoff’s understanding of the nuclear issue contained basic errors.

“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.”

Powell brought an expert from the UK Cabinet Office to the Geneva meetings, reflecting the government’s cautious approach. A former official briefed on the talks added: “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.”

Timeline of events and UK’s stance

Two days after the Geneva talks concluded, the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran. The next round of discussions was scheduled for Vienna on 2 March, but it never happened. The UK’s hesitation to endorse the strike, coupled with Powell’s active participation, has strained the UK-US relationship. Officials cited a lack of urgent evidence for an Iranian missile threat to Europe or an imminent nuclear weapon acquisition as reasons for their stance.

“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.”

Britain’s deep engagement in the talks, including prior meetings in Switzerland, helped justify its reluctance to back the attack. The UK viewed the assault as unlawful and premature, believing diplomatic avenues remained open. Powell’s team anticipated further progress in Vienna, but the strike disrupted this timeline.

Mediation and access to talks

The Geneva talks were mediated by Oman’s foreign minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. Gulf diplomats did not specify the basis for Powell’s inclusion, though his long-standing ties with the US—dating back to his role as Tony Blair’s chief of staff—may have played a part. UK officials later praised Iran’s willingness to agree to a permanent deal, unlike the 2015 agreement, which included sunset clauses limiting program restrictions.

Downing Street has not commented on Powell’s attendance or his evaluation of the talks. Meanwhile, Trump has criticized Keir Starmer for not fully supporting the US attack, particularly after the UK initially denied using its military bases for the operation. Starmer’s decision to permit defensive use of bases came after Iran began targeting UK allies in the Gulf.

Trump also warned that NATO could face challenges if European members do not agree to assist in opening the Strait of Hormuz, a demand the UK has declined. This incident marks the first time the UK’s close involvement in the talks has been publicly acknowledged, underscoring its strategic role in shaping the outcome of the crisis.