UK and Israel to sign agreement to work against Iran’s bid for nuclear weapons

Foreign secretary Liz Truss and her Israeli foreign minister Yair Lapid have launched a renewed partnership in order to halt Iran’s bid to acquire nuclear weapons.

The two nations are expected to sign the agreement today. Truss and Lapid — who is set to become Israel’s prime minister in two years under the current coalition deal— today penned a joint piece for the Telegraph newspaper in which they vow to work “night and day” to bar Iran from becoming a nuclear power.

They wrote: “We believe that a democracy rooted in freedom – which empowers citizens with the opportunity to innovate, create, and fulfill their dreams – is the finest form of government.

“As outward-looking, patriotic nations, we know that the best way forward lies in building stronger economic, technological and security ties with like-minded partners.”

They also condemn the attempted no-platforming and harassment  of the Israeli Ambassador to the UK Tzipi Hotovely, by student protesters this month.

During a meeting with Israeli President Issac Herzog last week, prime minister Boris Johnson said the world “doesn’t have much time” to halt Iran’s attempts to develop nuclear weaponry. 

Herzog reportedly urged the UK to take a hard stance against Iran during the talks on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, scheduled to resume in Vienna later this month.

Dr Gerald Steinberg, professor of political science at Bar Ilan University said in light of the news:  “Israel views the negotiations with Iran as a façade used by the regime to continue towards acquiring nuclear weapons. The 2015 JCPOA is widely seen as lacking teeth, allowing Iran to hide key activities from the IAEA watchdog, and without limits on missile development.

“Now, Israel is urging the US to use the lifting of sanctions to get far more concessions on these issues. If Iran crosses the finish line, they and their proxies will become even more aggressive in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and elsewhere.”