British foreign secretary Jack Straw ruled out a policy of regime change against Iran on Tuesday amid mounting concern about Tehran's development of nuclear weapons and its stance towards Israel.
"I have to say to you that regime change in Iran is not part of the policy of Her Majesty's Government, nor do I think it would be wise," Straw said during a question period in parliament.
He had been asked whether London still ruled out discussions with groups opposed to the Iranian government, and was responding to claims that internal regime change "could reduce the implied (nuclear) threat considerably".
Straw said Britain was working with other European countries as well as the United States and Russia to ensure that Iran complies with its nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) obligations.