The Minister for the Middle East, Rt. Hon. James Cleverly MP, has underlined the UK Government’s concerns over Iran’s “failure to uphold its international legal obligations” on human rights, and condemned the Islamic Republic’s “destabilising behaviour in the region”.
In response to a series of Written Parliamentary Questions this month from Conservative MPs, the Middle East Minister addressed Iran’s refusal to admit access to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at two sites under investigation: “In denying access, Iran is not adhering to its legally binding safeguards obligations”.
Minister Cleverly added that the UK is working to “address the planned expiry of the UN conventional arms embargo” on Iran in October 2020. He emphasised: “Iran’s reductions in compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) raise serious proliferation concerns”.
Newly elected Conservative MP Gareth Bacon had asked the Minister “what mechanisms are in place to prevent Iran from increasing arms exports to terrorist groups after the expiration of the UN conventional arms embargo” and Birmingham Northfield MP Gary Sambrook highlighted Iran’s “refusal to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to access locations related to nuclear activity”.
In a further Written Question, CFI Officer Matthew Offord expressed concerns over Iran’s use of the death penalty, with Minister Cleverly urging Iran to “improve its poor record on all human rights issues” in response.
