Quick thought- I find it very unlikely that a Civil Servant would go against many years of custom and precedent and take the decision to authorise this sale, no doubt they have given their advice. The decision to allow the selling of these stories to the press is IMO wholly political, ie, one of our 'elected' representatives thinks this is a good idea. I hesitate to speculate as to the desired outcome, but improving relations and reducing tensions between UK and Iran isn't going to be to of the list.