Britain's special relationship with the United States on the Iranian nuclear issue in light of global Britain strategy

In recent years, numerous efforts have been made to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through multilateral negotiations, including the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The UK, as a key European power and a strategic ally of the US, has played an active role in this process. This article examines the impact of the "Global Britain" strategy on the UK's behavior toward the Iranian nuclear issue in the post-Brexit period. "Global Britain" is a concept introduced by the British government following its withdrawal from the EU, aimed at enhancing the country’s international role and increasing its foreign policy independence. The main hypothesis of this study is that the UK, within the framework of this strategy and leveraging its special relationship with the US, has pursued a path distinct from other European countries. In its attempt to reassert itself as a global power, Britain has adopted policies more closely aligned with Washington regarding the Iranian nuclear issue. Employing a qualitative approach and key concepts from the English School, this article analyzes this trend and its implications for British foreign policy.

Introduction

This article analyzes the United Kingdom’s foreign policy toward Iran’s nuclear issue in the context of shifting international dynamics and Britain’s evolving global role. Key developments—including the UK’s EU membership during the 2015 JCPOA, the U.S. withdrawal from the deal in 2018, and Brexit—have reshaped Britain's approach to this dossier. Using core concepts from the English School of International Relations—such as pluralism vs. solidarism, primary vs. secondary institutions, and the role of great powers and hegemony—the study examines how the UK has repositioned itself, particularly after the U.S. exit from the JCPOA. The main research question is: How has the “Global Britain” strategy influenced the UK’s approach to Iran’s nuclear issue post-Brexit? The analysis focuses on three dimensions: (1) the pluralism–solidarism tension, (2) the role of international institutions, and (3) the UK–U.S. special relationship within Britain’s great power ambitions. First outlined in 2017, “Global Britain” reflects London’s aim for a more independent, global role beyond Europe. While maintaining coordination with European partners, the UK has increasingly aligned with Washington’s tougher stance on Iran. The article argues that this strategy has facilitated both Britain’s repositioning as a great power and a recalibrated approach to the Iranian nuclear issue, combining European solidarity, national interest–driven pluralism, and strategic alignment with the United States.

Theoretical Framework

This study is grounded in the English School of International Relations, which centers on three foundational concepts: the international system, the international society, and world society. According to Hedley Bull (1977), an international system emerges when at least two states are in contact and capable of influencing each other's decisions, thereby forming an interactive whole. Among these, the concept of international society holds central importance, as it represents a middle-ground approach: it arises when a group of states recognizes shared rules, participates in common institutions, and pursues collective interests. This society aims to establish order through shared norms, laws, and institutions. At a more normative level, world society expands the focus beyond states to include individuals as independent actors and ultimate units (Bull, 2002). In addition to these foundational ideas, the English School is also defined by key analytical dualities derived from international society. These include the tension between pluralism and solidarism, the distinction between primary and secondary institutions, and the contrast between great power and hegemony. These dichotomies offer critical tools for analyzing order, agency, and the structure of international relations within this theoretical framework.

Methodology

This article, using a qualitative approach, examines official speeches by British authorities, the UK government's strategic documents, and the views of selected analysts. Data were collected using library and internet-based resources.

Results & Discussion

The Global Britain strategy has significantly shaped the UK’s post-Brexit foreign policy, particularly in relation to Iran’s nuclear issue. Following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, Britain gradually shifted toward greater alignment with Washington, while still expressing support for the agreement in coordination with France and Germany. This reflects a dual approach: affirming commitment to multilateral norms while adapting to new geopolitical realities. Drawing on the English School framework, the UK’s actions reveal a growing emphasis on pluralism over solidarism, and a return to primary institutions—such as sovereignty and balance of power—when secondary mechanisms like the JCPOA proved fragile. Britain has sought to assert itself as a great power, balancing its normative commitments with strategic interests in West Asia. The UK’s foreign policy has been shaped by its special relationship with the U.S., evolving security and economic priorities, and a desire to influence international order post-Brexit.

Conclusions & Suggestions

The findings of this study demonstrate that the Global Britain approach has steered the UK’s foreign policy on the Iranian nuclear issue and regional developments in West Asia toward a balance between strategic autonomy and multilateral cooperation. Within this framework, the UK has sought to maintain its “special relationship” with the United States while continuing to play an active role in preserving agreements such as the JCPOA in coordination with European partners. This dual strategy—a blend of pragmatic realism and commitment to international norms—if sustained and well-managed, can strengthen Britain’s position as a great power with a normative role in the international system. From a policy perspective, these findings can inform the design of the UK’s future strategies toward Iran and regional security issues. Leveraging international institutions, avoiding undermining multilateral agreements like the JCPOA, and enhancing proactive diplomacy are among the recommended measures to promote regional stability and Britain’s international legitimacy. Furthermore, maintaining a balance between security interests and normative commitments amid complex geopolitical conditions can serve as a model for the UK’s foreign policy in other critical domains as well