The British Foreign Office has issued a stark warning that nuclear negotiations with Iran are at a critical juncture, after a United States envoy met with Qatari mediators in a diplomatic push that conspicuously excluded Tehran. The move has raised concerns among European allies that the window for a renewed deal is rapidly closing.
The US special envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, held talks in Doha on Tuesday with Qatari officials who have previously served as intermediaries between Washington and Tehran. However, no Iranian representatives were present, marking a significant departure from previous rounds of negotiations. The snub comes as Iran's nuclear programme continues to advance beyond the limits set by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'We are at a very critical moment. The United Kingdom remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution, but Iran's continued escalation makes that increasingly difficult. We urge Iran to return to meaningful negotiations without further delay.'
The warning reflects growing frustration in London and other European capitals over Iran's refusal to engage directly with the US. The last round of talks in Vienna stalled in June, with Iran demanding that Washington first lift all sanctions imposed by former President Donald Trump.
Qatar, which maintains close ties with both the US and Iran, has been a key backer of mediation efforts. But the decision to bypass Tehran this week suggests that Washington is exploring alternative strategies, possibly including a more limited interim agreement.
'There is a real risk that we sleepwalk into a crisis,' said Dr. Emily Land, a nuclear policy expert at Chatham House. 'The US is sending a signal that it will not wait indefinitely. But excluding Iran from talks could also backfire, hardening the regime's position.'
Iran's nuclear watchdog this week reported that the country now has enough enriched uranium to produce several nuclear bombs, a violation of the JCPOA. International inspectors also confirmed that Iran has begun using advanced centrifuges forbidden under the original deal.
For British households already struggling with soaring energy bills, the crisis carries immediate consequences. The UK relies on Middle East oil and gas, and any disruption to supply lines could push prices even higher. 'Every time these talks break down, we feel it at the petrol pump and on our heating bills,' said Sarah Jenkins, Economy & Labour Reporter. 'This is not just about geopolitics. It is about the cost of living in Britain.'
The Foreign Office reiterated its call for Iran to comply with its non-proliferation obligations. 'A nuclear-armed Iran would be a danger to the entire world,' the spokesperson added. 'We will continue to work with our allies to prevent that outcome, by any means necessary.'
Despite the tough rhetoric, diplomatic sources indicate that the UK is privately worried about the lack of a clear strategy. The US has threatened to refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council for further sanctions, but Russia and China have signalled they would block such a move.
'This is a high-stakes poker game, and the cards are getting worse for everyone,' said Dr. Land. 'The British government must be more proactive, not just follow Washington's lead. We need a Plan B.'
As Iran presses on with its nuclear programme, the question is whether diplomacy can still win out. For now, the silence from Tehran is deafening.
