May tells Netanyahu world needs ‘clear-eyed’ approach on Iran deal
British PM stresses importance of the nuclear arrangement with the Islamic republic during a phone call with the Israeli leader
Prime Minister Theresa May has used a phone call with her Israeli counterpart to stress the importance of the Iran nuclear deal.
Mrs May told Benjamin Netanyahu it was important the agreement was properly monitored and enforced as the international community needed to be “clear-eyed” about the threat Iran poses to the Middle East.
The nuclear deal with Tehran has received strong criticism from US President Donald Trump, amid speculation the American administration may withdraw from it.
The landmark agreement capped Iran’s uranium enrichment levels in return for the lifting of international sanctions.
Referring to the call with Mr Netanyahu, a Downing Street spokesman said: “They discussed Iran, with the Prime Minister noting the importance of the nuclear deal with Iran which has neutralised the possibility of the Iranians acquiring nuclear weapons for more than a decade.
“The Prime Minister said the UK remains firmly committed to the deal and that we believe it is vitally important for regional security.
“The Prime Minister said it was important that the deal is carefully monitored and properly enforced, and that both sides deliver on their commitments.
“They agreed that the international community needed to be clear-eyed about the threat that Iran poses to the Gulf and the wider Middle East, and that the international community should continue working together to push back against Iran’s destabilising regional activity.”
The spokesman said the two prime ministers agreed both nations wanted strong post-Brexit trade links.
“They agreed that security co-operation between the UK and Israel was very strong and would continue, particularly on counter-terrorism, where we faced shared challenges.
“They also agreed our bilateral trade relationship would continue to go from strength to strength, noting the UK-Israel trade working group had already met and discussions on how to ensure the freest possible post-Brexit trading relationship had been constructive.”
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