British Cavers elect Iranian chairperson in attempt to appease Tehran

In April this year, Iran conducted unprecedented direct drone and missile attacks on the Israeli state, responding to previous Israeli attacks on their consulate in Damascus. The UK's Royal Air Force was integral in helping protect Israeli interests in the region from projectiles, but the UK government has been weak in its diplomatic attempts to urge de-escalation in the region.

Amid these tensions in the Middle East, and in light of failing diplomacy by the British government, cavers throughout the country have overwhelmingly spoken with their votes in an attempt to appease the Iranians. The results from the BCA election were a landslide, with 452 votes out of a total 529 votes cast for Rostrum Namaggy. This also represented a massive 9% voter turnout.

After losing the election in 2021, it is clear the diplomatic position of British cavers in recent years has swung strongly in favour of improving relations with the Iran regime.

After his landslide victory, Rostrum stated: "The people have spoken and it is clear what direction we need to take as an organisation. The situation between the British and Iranian governments is tenuous at the moment, but I want to assure voters that the situation can recover. If we can come back from getting Ghar Paraud, we can come back from this.".