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 US-Iran discussions and believed the offer from Tehran on its nuclear programme held enough promise to avert an immediate conflict. Sources indicate Powell assessed the progress made in late February as meaningful, even describing the Iranian proposal as “surprising.”

Two days after the talks concluded, and following a Vienna meeting date agreement, the US and Israel executed an attack on Iran. Powell’s active involvement in the Geneva sessions, along with his detailed insights into their development, was verified by three independent sources. One of them noted that Powell was stationed at Oman’s ambassadorial residence in Cologny, Geneva, offering strategic counsel.

The UK team’s engagement in the talks highlighted concerns about US expertise, particularly the role of Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law and special envoy, respectively. While Kushner claimed a deep understanding of the issues, nuclear specialists noted his remarks contained fundamental inaccuracies. Powell’s presence underscored the UK’s commitment to diplomatic efforts, with a former official stating: “The UK team was taken aback by the Iranians’ proposal, which was not a full agreement but represented a step forward.”

“Jonathan Powell believed a negotiated solution was still viable, especially regarding UN inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities,” said a western diplomat. “However, Iran had not yet met all key conditions.”

UK officials later emphasized their appreciation for Iran’s willingness to commit to a permanent deal, unlike the 2015 nuclear agreement with its sunset clauses. Despite this, the government hesitated to endorse the US attack, citing lack of evidence for an imminent Iranian missile threat to Europe or a nuclear weapon acquisition. This hesitation strained UK-US relations, with Downing Street withholding comments on Powell’s participation and his evaluation of the talks.

Trump criticized Keir Starmer for not fully supporting the attack, noting the UK initially barred US use of British military bases for offensive operations. The attack on March 2, 2026, occurred before the planned Vienna negotiations, which were abandoned. Mediation of the Geneva talks was led by Oman’s foreign minister, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, though the rationale for Powell’s access to the discussions remains unspecified. His prior role as Tony Blair’s chief of staff likely bolstered his ties with the US.

The UK’s close involvement in the talks provided it with the foundation to determine whether diplomacy had reached its limits. While the attack was seen as unlawful and premature by British officials, it marked a pivotal moment in the evolving dynamics between the two nations.