Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the visit of the Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa to Tehran on 22 to 23 June, what progress they have made (1) in persuading Iran to stop attacks in the Gulf of Oman and reducing tensions in that region, and (2) on the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.

The Minister for the Middle East and North Africa had meetings with senior Iranian government representatives during his visit to Iran. He was clear about the UK's long-held concerns over Iran's activities, as well as the UK's determination to maintain the nuclear deal which is in our shared security interests. The UK remains in close coordination with and will continue to play its full part alongside international partners to find diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions.

The Minister also pressed again on behalf of the British Government for the urgent and unconditional release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and all British-Iranian dual nationals who are being arbitrarily detained. During Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's hunger strike, we continue to support her family, including Mr Ratcliffe who is also fasting. We have made clear to the Iranian authorities that we expect them to ensure that Nazanin is treated humanely and in line with international standards. We are requesting consular access, medical treatment and will continue working to find a solution to secure her unconditional release.