June 11, 2003	Wednesday	Rabi-us-Sani 10, 1424

LONDON, June 10: Britain and the United States disagree on their stance towards Iran, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw indicated on Tuesday.

“Sometimes friends disagree. We can have an honest disagreement about our approach to Iran with the US,” Mr Straw told a parliamentary foreign affairs committee.

“We can have honest disagreements with our friends amongst European member states. Sometimes we have a difference of emphasis. So what?”

Despite a hardening of position towards Tehran by British Prime Minister Tony Blair last month, Mr Straw reiterated Britain’s line that it did not want “regime change” in Iran.

London has worked hard to maintain “constructive engagement” with Iran, a policy in marked contrast to that of Washington, which has branded the country part of an “axis of evil”.

“It is no part of the policy of Her Majesty’s government to seek regime change in Iran,” Straw told deputies, adding: “You will also note that (US) President (George W.) Bush publicly said that there was no question of military action in Iran by the US.”

Mr Straw’s comments came amid mounting pressure from Washington, which accuses Tehran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, supporting “terrorist” groups and interfering in Iraq.

Iran and the United States cut diplomatic ties shortly after the 1979 revolution which overthrew the US-backed shah.

During a visit to Kuwait last month, Mr Blair sent out a warning to Iran and Syria that their behaviour in connection with the Arab-Israeli peace process would be closely watched.—AFP