Commons Sense

House of Commons · Urgent Question

Actions of Iranian Regime UK Response 2025-07-07

07 July 2025 · 17 other contributors

Opened by Priti Patel Con Witham

Foreign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Priti Patel raised concerns about actions of iranian regime uk response 2025-07-07 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the impact of recent US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and the potential for snapback sanctions.
  • Steps being taken to enhance security for military assets and personnel, and to assess threats from Iran's ballistic missile capabilities.
  • Inquiries about supporting dissidents and persecuted individuals in the UK with family members in Iran, and about strengthening measures against Iran's financial structures.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Priti Patel Con Witham

Will the Minister confirm the UK's response to recent US airstrikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, including an assessment of their impact and whether discussions are ongoing about applying snapback sanctions? The MP also inquired about steps being taken to bolster security for military assets and personnel, assess threats from Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, address issues related to dissidents and persecuted individuals in the UK with family members in Iran, and strengthen measures against the regime's finance structures. She questioned whether this moment calls for a serious strategy to roll back Iran’s malign influence.

Other contributors (17)
  • Priti Patel Con Witham

    Question

    Does the Minister have an assessment of the impact of US airstrikes and Iran’s refusal to cooperate with IAEA? Are there discussions about snapback sanctions and measures against continued pursuit of nuclear weapons? What steps are being taken for military security in light of Iran's missile capabilities and threats?

    Minister reply

    We cannot provide detailed commentary on strike damage but confirm ongoing discussions about the snapback mechanism. We will consider all diplomatic tools including snapback to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Regional security, especially concerning our bases, is under close review.

  • Emily Thornberry Lab Islington South and Finsbury

    Question

    Given the Iranian ambassador's interest in continuing negotiations and avoiding further conflict, what actions are being taken to ensure talks rather than war?

    Minister reply

    We want serious negotiation with Iran on nuclear weapons but time pressure due to snapback deadline. Talks must happen at pace and with seriousness.

  • Monica Harding Lib Dem Esher and Walton

    Question

    Will the Government use new proscription powers to cover state threats like IRGC? What steps are being taken to protect communities from Iranian-sponsored terrorism?

    Minister reply

    We will not tolerate Iran-backed threats on UK soil. The IRGC is sanctioned in the UK and considered under review for enhanced mechanisms against state threats.

  • Gareth Snell Labour/Co-op Stoke-on-Trent Central

    Question

    What specific steps are being taken to support Iranian dissidents in the UK and allied countries who face repression?

    Minister reply

    We take seriously IRGC activities; sanctions, FIRS tier, and full force of law against threats on UK soil.

  • Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton

    Question

    An Iranian-origin woman from Acton reports that the regime is cracking down further on its population. She urges caution in our response to ensure a diplomatic solution.

    Minister reply

    I confirm for my hon. Friend that we are doing everything we can to try to see a diplomatic solution.

  • Andrew Mitchell Con Sutton Coldfield

    Question

    The right hon. Member for Islington South and Finsbury supports the judgment about proscribing the IRGC, suggesting this is an opportune time to work with allies to explore progress.

    Minister reply

    I know of the right hon. Gentleman’s long commitment to these issues. We must do everything we can to support moderate Iranians who see their families oppressed.

  • John Slinger Lab Rugby

    Question

    Does my hon. Friend agree on the importance of soft power and the BBC Persian service in explaining news truthfully?

    Minister reply

    I very much agree with my hon. Friend, on both the importance of diplomacy and the importance of BBC Persian.

  • Mike Martin LD Tunbridge Wells

    Question

    Does the Minister think it more or less likely that Iran will get a nuclear bomb as a result of American airstrikes?

    Minister reply

    As I am sure the hon. Gentleman would expect, I will not comment on assessment at this stage, given the security and intelligence implications.

  • Laurence Turner Lab Birmingham Northfield

    Question

    Will the Minister assure the House that all practical steps are being taken to extend consular support despite it being frustrated by the Iranian regime?

    Minister reply

    The UK has been able to provide a very limited amount of consular support in Iran for some years, and we have now reopened our embassy in Tehran after a temporary closure.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    What action is the Minister taking to ensure that Iran is brought to the negotiating table regarding their nuclear material?

    Minister reply

    It is absolutely vital that IAEA inspectors are allowed back into Iran; that is the fundamental basis on which trust can be built for a diplomatic solution.

  • Adam Jogee Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme

    Question

    What specific engagement has happened between the British Government and our regional partners in the Middle East? Can he elaborate more on what the state threats mechanism means?

    Minister reply

    I would be delighted to discuss this matter further. The question at issue is focused on a state that has proved a persistent threat in the UK using methods unlike those usually employed by a state.

  • Brendan O’Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    Question

    While discussing proscribing Palestine Action, did the Minister advise that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could also be added to the proscribed list? If not, why?

    Minister reply

    Proscription of the IRGC is a complicated question given gaps in existing legislation. Jonathan Hall has done his review and we are committed to taking forward his recommendations.

  • Neil Shastri-Hurst Con Solihull West and Shirley

    Question

    Can he say what steps the Government is taking to ensure that Iran gets back to the negotiating table?

    Minister reply

    The Foreign Office are focused on concrete steps required, including snapback if we do not make progress on diplomacy.

  • Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr

    Question

    Can the Minister tell the House what UK intelligence agencies say regarding the legality and evidence of an active nuclear weapons programme?

    Minister reply

    I am not going to provide a running commentary on the assessments of UK intelligence agencies.

  • Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire

    Question

    Does he agree with the Attorney General or the Defence Secretary regarding the legality of Operation Midnight Hammer?

    Minister reply

    With the greatest of respect to my predecessor, I do not think they are in disagreement.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    The hon. Member for Strangford supports the decision to remove Iran's nuclear arsenal from terrorist control but raises concerns about the vulnerable women and children in Iran, questioning if more can be done to ensure aid reaches them.

    Minister reply

    Mr Falconer acknowledges the constraints on engagement with Iranian society but confirms that efforts are being made through a reopened embassy in Tehran to maintain wide engagement.

Government Response

Hamish Falconer

We have long had concerns over Iran’s support to groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, its role in the Russia-Ukraine war through unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic missiles, and threats to UK nationals, dissidents, and Jewish people. The government is committed to holding Iran accountable for hostile activities, including through sanctions and a new state threats proscription-like tool. Since April, we have sanctioned individuals related to malign Iranian activity and ended the air services agreement with Iran due to missile transfers to Russia. We placed Iran on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme and designated 31 individuals in relation to Iranian activities. Regarding recent US airstrikes and Iran's prohibition against cooperation with the IAEA, we are discussing snapback sanctions but aim for a diplomatic solution. Security measures for military assets continue to be reviewed.

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