Iran threatened to suspend its compliance with limits on its nuclear programme agreed under a 2015 deal with major powers until they deliver on promised sanctions relief. According to British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt Iran's actions were "profoundly destabilising" but said he wanted to reduce tensions in the Middle East, ahead of talks with his EU counterpart.
"Heading to Brussels for urgent talks on how to reduce tensions with Iran," Hunt tweeted.
"Their approach to Mid East has been profoundly destabilising but we want to reduce not raise tensions over Grace 1 and avoid a nuclearised region.
Much to the dismay of the European allies, US pulled out of the deal. On July 13, UK wanted to step up its military presence in the Gulf by sending a second warship to the region to protect British commercial oil tankers.
“Iran is still a good year away from developing a nuclear bomb. There is still some closing, but small window to keep the deal alive,” Hunt said. European Union foreign ministers are meeting to discuss the 2015 deal over Iran's nuclear programme, as tensions further intensify between Tehran and the United States.
There is still time to save the nuclear deal, Hunt said. Hunt who hopes to succeed May as PM of Britain, says he wants to find a long-term solution to the Iran situation, but disagrees with US' current stand on the issue.
Britain was drawn into the row when officials in its tiny territory of Gibraltar seized an Iranian oil tanker, "Grace One", earlier this month.
US officials believe the tanker was destined for Syria to deliver oil, in violation of sanctions, but Tehran reacted with anger.
Post a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Hunt said the tanker would be released following guarantees on its destination.