Britain’s national security adviser Jonathan Powell attended U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva and believed a deal was within reach, The Guardian reported.

Powell viewed Iran’s proposal as “surprising” and significant progress, though gaps remained, including U.N. inspections.

Talks, mediated by Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, were expected to continue in Vienna but were derailed when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran days later.

British officials saw no imminent threat from Iran and viewed the attack as premature, straining ties with President Donald Trump’s administration.

Read more at The Guardian.