USE OF FORCE AGAINST IRAN

INTERVIEW WITH JACK STRAW
U.K. FOREIGN SECRETARY

U.K. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

November 4, 2004

Excerpts

. . .

INTERVIEWER:
Let's move to another part of the world then, Iran. You talked about divisions in the world that followed 9/11, the reasons for the divisions of course was the invasion of Iraq bearing in mind what has happened in Iraq at the time and since it is inconceivable is it not that the world would support American military action presumably some sort of bombing, possibly using Israelis as a proxy who knows against the Iranians over their nuclear programme if indeed such a programme exits?

JACK STRAW:
Well not only is that inconceivable I think the prospect of it happening is inconceivable.

INTERVIEWER:
In spite of what some of the Neo Cons in Washington are, are urging?

JACK STRAW:
What I know is how the United States government have operated internationally and with international co-operation in respect of Iran. Let me just point this out. Fifteen months ago France, Germany and the United Kingdom three foreign ministers, came together with the active support of our heads of government to work to resolve the Iran issue. What is certain is that Iran has in the past failed to meet its undertakings under the safeguards agreement of the International Atomic Energy Agency. And we have, went to Tehran last October, the 21st, that's 2003, got a heads of agreements and we've been working to implement it ever since.

That has led because it is difficult negotiating with Iran they are, but it's led to a series of meetings in the International Atomic Energy Agency board of governors. In each of those although there's been a tense discussion before, we've had complete consensus including with the United States. There's a further meeting coming at the end of November. What my three, three political directors are doing from, from the three foreign ministers in active co-operation with other members of the G8 which obviously includes the United States is to seek to resolve this matter in a constructive way. Now I can't give you the odds on that, but what I can say is that on each occasion up to now the United States has supported the consensus in the board of governors there and I've no reason to think that will split at the end of November.

INTERVIEWER:
But you're quite clear that if, and you say it's a very big if, but if the United States decided to take action against Iran we would not be on their side? We wouldn't fight shoulder to shoulder with them?

JACK STRAW:
I don't accept it, what I'm saying to you is that I don't accept the assumption, I don't think that will arise, all right, but I don't see any circumstances in which military action would be justified against Iran full stop. I think I've made that clear.