Blinken: U.S. seeks to extend, strengthen nuclear pact with Iran

Top U.S. diplomat says committed to ensuring Tehran never acquires nuclear arms, will address other areas of concern, including Islamic Republic's destabilizing regional behavior and ballistic missile development and proliferation
Reuters|
The United States will seek to strengthen and extend the agreement between world powers and Iran aimed at curbing its nuclear program, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday.
  • Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter

  • The UN nuclear watchdog said on Sunday it had struck a deal with Iran to cushion the blow of steps Tehran plans to take this week that include ending snap inspections, with both sides agreeing to keep "necessary" monitoring for up to three months.
    2 View gallery
    Anthony Blinken testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on his nomination to be the next U.S. Secretary of State
    Anthony Blinken testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on his nomination to be the next U.S. Secretary of State
    U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken
    (Photo: MCT)
    The announcement by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi, made at Vienna airport after a weekend trip to Iran, confirmed that Tehran would go ahead with its plan to slash cooperation with the agency on Tuesday.
    Blinken, addressing the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, said in a pre-recorded speech: "The United States remains committed to ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. Diplomacy is the best path to achieve that goal."
    U.S. President Joe Biden has said that if Iran comes back into "strict compliance" with the 2015 pact, his administration will do the same, Blinken said.
    2 View gallery
    rouhani iran zarif uranium nuclear
    rouhani iran zarif uranium nuclear
    Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (right) and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visiting one of the country's nuclear facilities
    (Photo: AFP)
    "Working with allies and partners, we will also seek to lengthen and strengthen the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and address other areas of concern, including Iran's destabilizing regional behavior and ballistic missile development and proliferation," Blinken said.
    "Iran must comply with its safeguards agreements with the IAEA and its international obligations," he added.
    Comments
    The commenter agrees to the privacy policy of Ynet News and agrees not to submit comments that violate the terms of use, including incitement, libel and expressions that exceed the accepted norms of freedom of speech.
    ""