U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the Trump administration would continue to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons after taking office, in line with Washington's current policy.
Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on December 18, said that Iran might seriously consider developing nuclear weapons following recent military setbacks in the Middle East. “They have lost defensive positions, so they will have to think about that,” Blinken remarked.
Over the past year, Israel has carried out attacks destroying several of Iran’s air defense systems and launched ground and air campaigns that have significantly weakened Hezbollah, Tehran’s ally in Lebanon. Additionally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government, Iran’s main Arab ally in Syria, was recently overthrown by opposition forces.
However, Blinken emphasized that the scenario of Iran possessing nuclear weapons is “not inevitable,” adding that Tehran is well aware of the consequences of developing a nuclear bomb. “I think there’s still room for negotiations,” the U.S. Secretary of State said. He referenced President-elect Donald Trump’s decision during his first term to withdraw the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimpose sanctions on the country.
“When withdrawing from the agreement, Trump said he wanted a better and stronger deal. That’s fine,” Blinken said. He underscored that no U.S. administration would allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
“One way or another, I believe the next administration will continue the policies of ours,” Blinken said, referring to efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Tehran has not commented on the information. Iran has repeatedly denied allegations that it aims to develop nuclear weapons, asserting that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Blinken’s statement came after AFP reported on December 6, citing a confidential International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, that Iran plans to produce over 34 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% monthly, more than seven times the current level. Enrichment to 90% is the minimum threshold for producing nuclear weapons.
Late last month, Iran announced plans to install approximately 6,000 new centrifuges to enrich uranium, in response to the 35-nation IAEA board criticizing Tehran for its lack of cooperation on nuclear issues.
After taking office in 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration engaged in indirect talks with Iran to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Negotiations collapsed, primarily due to disputes over the extent of U.S. sanctions relief on Iran and the Biden administration’s pressure on Tehran over its support for the armed group Hamas in the Gaza conflict.
(Source: AFP)
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