Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Iran: Middle East Terror Groups

Tuesday 26 October 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Greg Smith questioned the implications of Iran's support for terror groups in the Middle East.
  • The UK has regularly condemned Iran's regional destabilising activities at the United Nations.
  • The Minister expressed concern over Iran's advancing nuclear programme and its potential threat.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of Iran's potential support for terrorist activities in the Middle East on regional stability.

Question

What assessment has she made of the implications for regional security of Iran's potential support for terror groups in the Middle East?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK has long condemned Iran's regional destabilising activities. We regularly raise our concerns at the United Nations, most recently doing so on 9 August. We support the security of our allies in the middle east, including defence partnerships and capability building.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific implications for regional security were not quantified or detailed.

How: Regularly Raise Concerns, Support Security Of Allies

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Q2 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about Iran's potential to become a nuclear power, which could further enable its support for terrorist activities.

Question

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Iran remains the world's leading sponsor of terror groups, including those committed to the destruction of Israel, and continues to enjoy impunity for its actions. Does my right hon. Friend share my concern that having a nuclear weapon would give Iran the ultimate protection to spread its malign influence in the region? Will he confirm that the UK will keep all options on the table to stop Iran becoming a nuclear power?

Answer from James Cleverly

I can assure my hon. Friend that our priority remains to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability. Sadly, Iran's nuclear programme has never been more advanced, and it is more worrying today than perhaps it has ever been. We regularly call strongly on Iran to halt all activities in violation of the joint comprehensive plan of action without delay and take the opportunity in front of it at the Vienna talks to restore the JCPOA. The current offer cannot remain on the table indefinitely.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments were not provided, only general statements about preventing nuclear weapons acquisition.

How: Our Priority Remains, Call Strongly On Iran

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