Time to reopen Tehran embassy: A Letter to The Times - July 12th 2013

Sir, We urge the Government to restore full diplomatic relations with Iran in the wake of the election of Dr Hassan Rowhani as its new President. Currently our ambassador is not in place in our embassy in Tehran.

Dr Rowhani unexpectedly romped home with more than half the vote on the first ballot in a 75 per cent turnout. That was the more significant given his progressive campaign and positive stance towards the West, which would hardly have endeared him to many in Iran's religious establishment.

Since the election the new President has made clear his commitment to greater transparency on nuclear matters and more freedom for Iran's people and press.

The UK should respond positively, without the predictable pre-conditions.

If such an overture is not reciprocated, then the long stalemate in our relations with that country would no doubt be resumed. But if it led to an ending of the diplomatic deadlock at this critical moment in the Middle East it would benefit everyone bar the extremists.

We believe that the UK would be right not to wait for the US before reaching out. Many in the US would quietly applaud such a move.

BARONESS WILLIAMS OF CROSBY, LORD LAMONT OF LERWICK & LORD PHILLIPS OF SUDBURY - House of Lords