In Westminster it is Iran and it's aspirations to have nuclear weapons that have long been the concern. When I visited Israel in 2012 a similar concern was raised as Iran's nuclear ambitions were seen as the single biggest threat to Middle East peace.
Now at last we are edging closer to a deal following talks in Geneva, whereby Iran could freeze expansion of its nuclear activity in return for limited relief from international sanctions which have been in place for years. The key western countries led by the USA have failed to reach a deal thus far but there is a breakthrough in sight. Iran has clearly changed. Both in politics and rhetoric.
The two sides will meet again on 20 November.
John Kerry said the US was "absolutely determined" that the deal would be a good one.
"Some of the most serious and capable, expert people in our government, who have spent a lifetime dealing both with Iran as well as with nuclear weapon and nuclear armament and proliferation, are engaged in our negotiation," he said. "I think we have a pretty strong sense of how to measure whether or not we are acting in the interests of our country and of the globe, and particularly of our allies like Israel and Gulf states and others in the region. "
Foreign Secretary William Hague told the BBC that a deal could be reached. The outline of an agreement was "on the table" and it was vital to keep up momentum, he said, although he acknowledged current talks were "formidably difficult". Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said all sides can "build on" the dialogue in Geneva and there was "the impetus to reach an agreement". Meanwhile, a member of Jordan's ruling family has said there is the potential for a "really serious breakthrough" at the next scheduled talks on 20 November.
What struck me today at the remembrance service in Northumberland was the prayer we all said, after the laying of the wreaths: "Let us pray for the peace of the world. For all who work to improve international relationships that they might find the true way to reconcile people of different race, colour, creed and ideology....and that men and women may live in security and peace."
