Headlines
UK Security Adviser Was Not Part of Final US-Iran Talks, Says Starmer's Spokesperson
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 18, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 18, 2026
Quick Summary
Britain’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, did not participate in the final U.S.–Iran talks held in Geneva before the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, according to a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
UK Confirms Adviser Not Involved in US-Iran Talks Before Recent Strikes
Clarification on UK's Role in US-Iran Negotiations
LONDON, March 18 (Reuters) - Britain's national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, was not part of final talks between the United States and Iran before the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Tehran, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday.
Media Reports on Adviser’s Alleged Involvement
Britain's Guardian newspaper reported on Tuesday that Powell had attended the talks and judged the offer made by Tehran on its nuclear programme significant enough to prevent a rush to war.
Official Statement from Downing Street
"These negotiations were bilateral between the U.S. and Iran, facilitated by Oman. Jonathan was not present in the talks in Geneva and was not part of talks in the residence," the spokesperson told reporters, after being asked about the report which said Powell was present in the building at Oman's ambassadorial residence in Geneva.
UK’s Position and Support for Negotiated Solutions
"No team of British officials participated in the negotiations. The UK supported the approach Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner took and their efforts in pursuit of a negotiated solution," the spokesperson said, referring to the two White House envoys.
Aftermath of the US-Israel Strikes
The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, sparking a conflict that has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands in the region and 13 U.S. service members.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill, writing by Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Kate Holton)
Key Takeaways
- •Jonathan Powell was not present in the final U.S.–Iran negotiations, which were bilateral and mediated by Oman, confirms Starmer’s office—with no British officials involved.
- •The U.K. publicly supported the diplomatic efforts led by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, but did not partake in the Geneva talks.
- •The U.S. and Israel conducted strikes against Iran on February 28, escalating a conflict that has since spread across the Middle East and resulted in significant casualties, including 13 U.S. service members.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK security adviser was not part of final US-Iran talks, says Starmer's spokesperson
1Was the UK's national security adviser involved in the final US-Iran talks?
No, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson stated that Jonathan Powell was not part of the final US-Iran negotiations.
2Who facilitated the final negotiations between the US and Iran?
The negotiations were bilateral between the US and Iran, facilitated by Oman.
3Did any British officials participate in the talks regarding Iran's nuclear programme?
No, according to the spokesperson, no team of British officials took part in the negotiations.
4What did the Guardian report regarding Jonathan Powell?
The Guardian reported that Powell attended the talks and considered Iran's offer on its nuclear programme significant.
5What triggered the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran?
The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, escalating a conflict across the Middle East.
