Britain can no longer rely on US leadership on Middle East policy and must work more closely with Europe to ensure the Iran nuclear deal stays in place, among other policies, a committee of lawmakers said in a report on Tuesday. The deal between Iran and six major powers restricts Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international oil and financial sanctions. "We can no longer assume America will set the tone for the West's relationship with the Middle East," said David Howell, chairman of the British parliament's House of Lords International Relations Committee. While Trump was unlikely to try to destroy the nuclear deal, failing to ease sanctions would push Iran towards more extensive trade relations with powers such as China and Russia, it said. "The government should be more forthright in stating its views on these issues despite the views of the US administration."

Source: Egypt Independent May 01, 2017 23:03 UTC