Recent developments in Iran

The election of Hassan Rouhani to the Iranian presidency has raised hopes that a resolution to the struggle over the Iranian nuclear programme may be possible. The tone emanating from Tehran has changed significantly since the election. However, hopes have been raised in the past, only to be dashed.

The UK government has given a cautious welcome to the election of Rouhani.

The Iranian government has shown tentative signs of not wanting to provoke hostility in its execution of the nuclear programme. The critical Iranian stockpile of 20% enriched uranium is not growing quickly at present.