Problems in Iran-Britain Relations Not to Be Settled Overnight: Hammond
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Visiting British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the existing problems in the relations between Tehran and London are not expected to be resolved overnight.
In an article published by state-run daily Iran on Tuesday, the top diplomat pointed to his trip to the Islamic Republic and noted that he is the first British foreign secretary to visit Iran in more than a decade.
Relations between Iran and Britain have a long, complex, and often difficult history, he said, adding that he does not expect all the problems to be resolved overnight.
Hammond further emphasized that if the two countries create an atmosphere of trust and confidence, they can improve the situation.
This is what Tehran and London did in the nuclear talks, he noted, hoping that it can be done again through diplomacy and with the help of the two countries’ embassies.
Hammond arrived in Tehran on Sunday to reopen the British embassy in the Iranian capital after a 4-year closure.
Simultaneously, Iran’s embassy in London also resumed its diplomatic activities.
On Saturday, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for American and European Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi said Tehran and London still have no plans to appoint ambassadors.
The status of non-resident charge d’affaires of the two countries will change into resident, the Iranian diplomat said, adding that the British embassy will only issue “diplomatic and service visas” after being reopened.
The thaw in Iran-Britain relations follows finalization of a landmark nuclear deal between Tehran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) on July 14.
