Keep dialogue with Iran alive

Following the declaration by Iranian officials of the official presidential election results, which confirmed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's landslide victory, Iran is having to deal with a potentially damaging development with its European Union (EU) counterparts. EU states are considering recalling their ambassadors in a show of solidarity with the British embassy employees being held in Tehran due to their alleged involvement in post-election rioting. EU foreign ministers have warned Iran that "harassment or intimidation" of embassy staff would be met with a collective response. Although this remains a consideration and has yet to move forward, the EU is certainly sending a message to the Iranians: either back down and release the employees or we will get involved.

It is hoped that this will not escalate and the EU will not withdraw its ambassadors from Tehran, regardless of what comes out of the situation involving the British. Now is not the time for leading states to cut off ties with Iran, thus further isolating it. The implications this would have would be huge, considering the EU's close monitoring of Iran's nuclear programme.

This diplomatic 'incident' should be dealt with by Iran and Britain. Having more countries involved will ultimately prove harmful to all parties involved. Now is the time to keep the dialogue alive and engage Iran, not point fingers at it.