BICOM

Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday sought to provide assurances over concerns surrounding the interim deal struck last weekend in Geneva between the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) and Iran.

Critics, especially those in Israel have pointed out the six-month agreement allows Tehran some sanctions relief, but does not require Iran to dismantle any of its centrifuges. Speaking yesterday at a reception in Downing Street to mark the Jewish festival of Chanukah, Cameron said “I know there will be great scepticism, I know there will be great worry [regarding the deal]. I share that scepticism, I share that worry. I don’t have any starry-eyed view of what this Iranian regime offers.” He pledged that “As far as I’m concerned, an enemy of Israel is an enemy of mine. A threat to Israel is a threat to us all,” adding “I can promise you this: Britain will stand with Israel, Britain will support Israel, Britain will keep the pressure up on Iran. We do not want you to have… a nuclear threat facing your country.”

Meanwhile, Simon Gass, Political Director-General at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the UK’s lead negotiator on Iran, met yesterday with Israel’s Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz in Jerusalem. Gass told the media that “core sanctions on oil and gas and financial transactions remain in place” against Iran and that the UK will ensure the sanctions regime is “policed and enforced tightly.” Gass said talks with Steinitz had been “good” and the UK “always had a very close and friendly dialogue with Israel over Iran, which we recognize as a core security interest for Israel.” Emphasising that the purpose of his visit was to “continue our close consultation with Israel on the Iranian dossier,” Gass added “we have agreed on the need to work together and look toward the future.”