UK reconsidering its stance on Iran nuclear deal: Reports

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Jan 09:11
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The UK reconsiders its stance on the JCPOA in response to the execution of the British spy in Iran.

Alireza Akbari speaks in a meeting to unveil the book National Nuclear Movement in Tehran, Iran on October 14, 2008 (AP)

The United Kingdom is considering ending support to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), after Iran executed a former Iranian official, Alireza Akbari, charged with spying for the British intelligence agency, reported The Sunday Telegraph citing government sources.

London is reviewing its stance on the JCPOA after certain circumstances significantly changed since the beginning of negotiations on the deal's revival.

The Mizan news agency of Iran's Judiciary stated that the former official, whose charges were “corruption on earth” and “extensive activities against the country's internal and external security” through espionage was arrested in 2019 after having received 1,805,000 euros, 265,000 pounds, and $50,000 for his collusion with the UK.

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly revealed on Saturday that London has temporarily recalled the British ambassador from Iran over the execution and has sanctioned Iranian Prosecutor General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri and summoned the Charge d’Affaires.

The death sentence was upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court after Akbari requested an appeal, which was sent through by British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly after reports of the planned execution emerged. Cleverly posted in a tweet: "Iran must halt the execution of British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari and immediately release him.”

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the execution of Akbari in Iran, saying on Saturday that it was a "callous and cowardly act."

Not the first spy, not the last

On Wednesday, Iran’s Intelligence Ministry described the former deputy defense minister in a statement as “one of the most infiltrating agents of the spying service of the evil UK in the country’s sensitive and strategic centers,” The statement underlined that he was identified and arrested following a “long and multi-layered process” involving a “counter-intelligence” and “deception operation.”

According to the ministry, Akbari transferred information obtained from sensitive centers to the UK's spy service on multiple occasions despite being “completely aware” of his steps.

Tehran clarified that the former senior official was first recruited upon his reception of a visa at the UK embassy in Tehran, where he had talks with British intelligence agents. After this "conversation", during personal trips to Europe, Akbari became a "full member of the UK intelligence service."