US will hold talks with Israel, Arab nations before signing nuclear deal with Iran: US Secretary of State-designate Blinken

Washington: Anthony Blinken, incoming US Secretary of State, announced that ‘If Iran agrees to the demands of the United States, we are also ready to sign a nuclear deal with Iran. But before we do that, the United States will discuss the matter with Israel and Arab allies.’ At the same time, Blinken told the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Israel’s security is of utmost respect for the United States.

The Iran nuclear deal, considered the most crucial milestone in the foreign policy by new US President Joe Biden, has caught the entire world’s attention. Biden had earlier announced he would be making a new nuclear deal with Iran. However, after Iran intensified its nuclear program in the last ten days, Biden has avoided making any comments on the matter. Anthony Blinken, Biden’s nominee for Secretary of State, did announce the Biden administration’s stance on Iran in a speech to the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday.

Blinken has clearly stated that ‘Iran, which is keen on reaching a nuclear deal with the Biden administration, must first agree to the United States demands. The US can take the next set of steps only if Iran agrees on making the nuclear deal on US terms.’ At the same time, Blinken said, ‘The United States needs the cooperation of Israel and its Arab allies to make this nuclear deal. A nuclear deal can be reached with Iran, only after discussions with them.’ Further, he stated that the agreement would even mention Iran’s destabilising activities in the Middle East and its missiles.

The Biden administration asserted that it would not allow Iran to become nuclear-armed. The new US Secretary of State also put forth his stance on the Israel and Palestine issues. Blinken has welcomed the Abraham Accord between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. He expressed confidence that the agreement would make Israel more secure. Moreover, Blinken said the US would keep its embassy in Israel’s Jerusalem.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has criticised outgoing US President Donald Trump as being a tyrant. Rouhani said ‘Biden is the right president for the United States and Iran has high expectations from him.’ What’s more, the Iranian president also called on Biden to revive the Obama administration’s 2015 nuclear deal. President Rouhani asserted the United States’ was committed to the nuclear deal as he said, ‘Iran has fulfilled its obligations under the nuclear deal, and now, it is up to the Biden administration to make the next decision.’

Meanwhile, Israel and Saudi Arabia have demanded new US President Joe Biden take them into confidence before making any decisions on Iran.

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