Iran's malign influence in Middle East requires a response from UK and its allies
2 min read
Provocative actions, like the test-firing of missiles, contradicts the narrative promoted by the supporters of last year's nuclear deal, says Dr Matthew Offord.
Iran’s destabilising influence in the Middle East continues to cause significant concerns for many people around the world. The Regime’s often provocative actions contradict the narrative promoted by the proponents of last year’s nuclear deal with Tehran. They promoted the emergence of an inclusive, moderate force from within the theocracy if Tehran was “respected” and guaranteed sanctions relief. However, actions by Iran - such as the test-firing of missiles in the Persian Gulf last month - demonstrate the exact opposite to be the case.
This requires a reasoned international response before the threats from Iran become a permanent reality. These serious concerns were recognised by the Prime Minister Theresa May who, in her speech to the Republican Party Conference on 26 January 2017, said, “ … to reduce Iran’s malign influence in the Middle East … is a priority for the UK too as we support our allies in the Gulf States to push back against Iran’s aggressive efforts to build an arc of influence from Tehran through to the Mediterranean.”
On Wednesday, 22 March, I have asked for a debate on Iran’s influence in the Middle East in the House of Commons to discuss what the UK Government could do to transpose its declared priority into concrete actions. On that occasion, I will echo a cross-party call urging the Government to work with our allies against Iran’s acts of aggression and take steps to stabilise the Middle East, paving the way for a democratic transition in the region.
Dr Matthew Offord is the Conservative Member of Parliament for Hendon
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