Written question asked by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Thursday, 8 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 March 2012. It was answered by Lord Hague of Richmond (Conservative) on Monday, 19 March 2012 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iran

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on sanctions against Iran; what reports he has received on the effect of sanctions on the Government of Iran's capacity to develop a nuclear weapon; and whether he plans to change his policy on sanctions.

Answer: The Government wish to see a negotiated diplomatic settlement to the Iranian nuclear issue by which Iran gives the world confidence that it is not developing, and will not develop, nuclear weapons. The Government's strategy to achieve this has two elements: first, diplomacy and engagement with Iran; and, secondly, pressure on Iran in the form of peaceful and legitimate sanctions.Sanctions are designed to show the Iranian Government that there is a considerable price attached to their current policies and to urge them to change course. The sanctions have a practical impact, slowing Iran's progress towards a nuclear weapons capability.Sanctions are a means to an end, not an end in themselves. The goal is a return to negotiations that addresses all the issues of concern about Iran's nuclear programme and the successful conclusion of those negotiations.

Secondary information