Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 6 January 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 January 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 January 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Iran: USA

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of the government of the United States' sanctions against Iran in their discussions about Iran returning to the obligations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Answer: We welcome the prospect of a US return to the JCPoA. President-elect Biden has said that if Iran returns to compliance with the deal, the US would re-enter the agreement and seek to both strengthen it and extend it. This is an important opportunity to restart engagement between Iran and the US, and realise the objectives of the JCPoA which we support. A return to diplomacy represents the best means of bringing greater security to the region, upholding the nuclear non-proliferation regime and preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. We look forward to engaging with the new administration on this issue.

Secondary information