Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Iran: Nuclear Capability

Tuesday 31 January 2023 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Iran's nuclear programme is assessed as more advanced and threatening to international peace.
  • The UK reserves the right to take further actions if Iran does not cease its efforts to acquire nuclear weapons.
  • Over fifty new sanctions have been implemented against Iran recently due to human rights abuses and military support for Russia.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Michael Fabricant Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from Iran's ongoing escalation of nuclear activities, which threatens international peace and security. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a landmark agreement aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the implications for policies of Iran's nuclear capabilities? Given that Iran is enriching uranium in breach of the JCPOA, can we be the main country to initiate snapback sanctions?

Answer from James Cleverly

Iran's nuclear programme has never been more advanced, threatening international peace. The option of engaging with the JCPOA is in Iranian hands but they have failed to grasp this opportunity. We reserve the right to take further actions if Iran does not desist from its attempts to acquire nuclear weapons.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for UK to initiate snapback sanctions was not directly addressed.

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Q2 Michael Fabricant Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Iran has been enriching uranium in violation of the JCPOA, increasing international concerns about Iran's nuclear capabilities and its impact on regional security.

Question

Given that Iran is violating the JCPOA by enriching uranium, should we be the main country to initiate snapback sanctions?

Answer from James Cleverly

Iran's leadership has failed to act responsibly and alleviate imposed sanctions. We reserve the right to take further actions if they do not desist from acquiring nuclear weapons, but no specific commitment on UK leading in snapback was given.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for UK to lead in initiating snapback was not directly addressed.

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Q3 Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth
Foreign Affairs
Context

Iran supports Russia in the Ukraine conflict by supplying drones, which poses a threat to UK allies. The government has implemented sanctions due to Iranian human rights abuses and military support.

Question

How are the Government dealing with Iran's proxies and arms trade? What actions are taken to counter Iranian drone supplies to Russia?

Answer from James Cleverly

Iran's support to Russian war efforts via militias and arms is unacceptable. Over 50 new sanctions were implemented against Iran in recent months due to human rights abuses and military support for Russia. We will continue to work with international partners to counteract these actions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific details on countering drone supplies or measures to deal with Iranian proxies were provided.

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