US Diplomat’s Statement: No Imminent Nuclear Deal with Iran
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Clarifies No Imminent Nuclear Agreement with Iran
In a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made it clear that there was no new nuclear agreement being negotiated with Iran, despite recent behind-the-scenes diplomacy between the two nations.
Blinken emphasized that while the US remains open to diplomatic paths, no agreement was currently in the offing. He urged Iran to refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions between the two countries and in the Middle East, stating that the future relationship would be determined by Iran’s actions.
President Joe Biden had hoped to revive the 2015 nuclear accord, which was abandoned by his predecessor, Donald Trump. However, talks mediated by the European Union collapsed, and protests in Iran added to the hesitancy of striking a deal with the clerical state.
Nevertheless, diplomats revealed that indirect talks have quietly resumed in recent months, with Oman acting as an intermediary. The discussions primarily revolve around the status of US prisoners held in Iran.
Disputes over the extent of relief from US sanctions and the timeline for Iran’s return to compliance were the key reasons behind the breakdown of negotiations on restoring the 2015 nuclear accord.
Blinken acknowledged that the Biden administration had made sincere efforts with European powers, as well as China and Russia, to facilitate a return to the agreement, but Iran had failed to meet the necessary requirements.
Regarding regional dynamics, Blinken has been involved in facilitating talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia, both of which have complex relationships with the United States. He noted the interest of both countries in the prospect of normalization, though he acknowledged the challenges involved in achieving such a milestone.
Israel’s recent normalization agreements with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco were seen as significant achievements by former President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Blinken recognized that Saudi recognition would hold even greater significance due to its size, influence in the Arab world, and its role as the custodian of Islam’s holy sites. However, the Saudis have emphasized the importance of progress on Palestinian rights.
Blinken also highlighted his recent conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, during which he called for de-escalation in the West Bank and expressed concern over the recent unrest, including violence against Palestinian-Americans. He conveyed the message that addressing internal conflicts would be crucial for both deepening existing agreements and potentially expanding them to include Saudi Arabia.
