Iran has a pivotal role to play in political developments in the Middle East. The visit provided the committee with vital input on the country’s perspective regarding the tense political situation in the region. Developments in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, and the plight of Afghan refugees in Iran were of particular interest. The prospects for a treaty on Iran’s nuclear programme were also discussed. The committee raised the issue of human rights – especially Iran’s practice of the death penalty and the rights of women and minorities – during all the meetings. Questions of bilateral interest, including possible business cooperation if the trade sanctions on Iran are lifted, were also on the agenda

“We had constructive talks on issues that we agreed and disagreed on,” said Committee Chair Anniken Huitfeldt (Labour Party). “It was interesting to find out about the discussions that are currently taking place in Iran, not least regarding the prospect of reaching an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme,” she added. Another important talking point was the fight against extremism. “For us it was also important to raise the issue of women’s rights with our Iranian counterparts,” Huitfeldt said.

The Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee received the invitation to visit Tehran from the Parliament of Iran’s Security and Foreign Affairs Committee. In addition to meeting the committee chair, the Norwegian delegation also met the Vice President of the Parliament, parliamentarians from ethnic and religious minorities, and female Members of Parliament. The committee additionally had talks with representatives of the Iranian Government, including one of the Vice Presidents and the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“Those we met were hoping that an agreement could be reached on the nuclear programme,” said Øyvind Halleraker (Conservative Party), the committee’s 1st Vice Chair. “Such a treaty would pave the way for increased business cooperation between our two countries as soon as trade sanctions are lifted.”

The members of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee who took part on the trip were Anniken Huitfeldt (Labour Party), Øyvind Halleraker (Conservative Party), Svein Roald Hansen (Labour Party), Liv Signe Navarsete (Centre Party), Bård Vegar Solhjell (Socialist Left Party) and Sylvi Graham (Conservative Party).