UK Minister For Middle East To Discuss Iran Nuclear Deal, Syria, Yemen In Tehran - Gov't

UK Minister for Middle East to Discuss Iran Nuclear Deal, Syria, Yemen in Tehran - Gov't

UK Minister of State for the Middle East Alistair Burt is expected to arrive in Tehran on Friday to discuss with the Iranian leadership the country's role in Syrian and Yemeni conflicts as well as the Iran nuclear deal, the UK government said in a press release.

LONDON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 31st August, 2018) UK Minister of State for the middle East Alistair Burt is expected to arrive in Tehran on Friday to discuss with the Iranian leadership the country's role in Syrian and Yemeni conflicts as well as the Iran nuclear deal, the UK government said in a press release.

"Burt arrives in Tehran today for talks on Iran's destabilising activity in Syria and Yemen, the future of the Iran nuclear deal and the cases of British dual-nationals detained in Iran. This is the first visit by a UK minister to Iran since the United States withdrew from the Iran Nuclear deal in May, and Minister Burt's third visit to the country. The Minister will have two days of meetings with Iranian Ministers, politicians and NGOs. On Saturday he will meet his counterpart, Abbas Araghchi," the press release said.

According to Burt, the current moment is "crucial for Iran's relationship with the UK, and the wider world," and despite the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, London and other partners remain committed to this agreement.

"As long as Iran meets its commitments under the deal, we remain committed to it as we believe it is the best way to ensure a safe, secure future for the region. Our support for the nuclear deal, though, does not prevent us strongly challenging Iran on issues where we disagree. During my visit this week I will stress that Iran's ballistic missile programme and its destabilising activities in the Middle East must be addressed," Burt was quoted as saying in the press release.

In May, US President Donald Trump announced his decision to leave the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or the Iran nuclear deal, and reimpose sanctions against Tehran and third states doing business with Iran. The first set of restrictions, which include a ban on purchasing US Currency, trading in gold and other precious metals, buying aluminum and steel for industrial purposes, and performing activities related to Iran's sovereign debt, took effect on August 7. The second portion, including sanctions on Iran's port operations, energy sector and foreign transactions, will be effectuated in November.

Following the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, the European Union along with other signatories to the accord has repeatedly stressed their interest in preserving ties with Iran. Since then, the European Union has amended its Blocking Statute to protect the interests of EU companies doing business with Iran.