UK’s Hammond: Iran too powerful to leave in isolation

Britain’s foreign minister says Iran is a major regional player that can be an ally in fighting terrorism — but the UK must “tread carefully” in its relationship with Tehran.

Tehran and world powers struck a deal last month on Iran’s contested nuclear program, and on Sunday Britain and Iran reopened their respective embassies after closing them in 2011.

Leading #UK business delegation with @damian57 to discuss future opportunities in #Iran for British business. pic.twitter.com/Gsqbvq6b0M

— Philip Hammond (@PhilipHammondUK) August 23, 2015

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, who met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran today, says the two countries shared common ground despite a “deep legacy of distrust.”

Hammond tells the BBC that “Iran is too large a player, too important a player in this region, to simply leave in isolation.”

— AP