Biden: Iran’s Nuclear Program is a Serious Threat to Global Security

The US President declared in his first speech to Congress that Washington will address threats from Iran and North Korea through diplomacy and strong deterrence. He added that America will continue its decisive presence in Indian and Pacific waters.

Joe Biden, in his first address to the US Congress, discussed America’s return to the international stage alongside its allies and considered the nuclear programs of Tehran and Pyongyang a serious threat to American and global security.

He said: “We will work closely with our allies to confront the threats of these two countries through diplomatic solutions and deterrence.”

Biden said nothing regarding the revival of the JCPOA and ongoing negotiations.

Regarding US-Russia relations, he referenced the two countries’ cooperation in the field of nuclear weapons control or climate issues, saying: “I have told Putin that we are not seeking to increase tensions, but if Moscow’s interference in elections or cyber attacks on American institutions is confirmed, we will respond accordingly… Putin knows that if he takes action, we will respond.”

Biden said America will continue its military support for Europe and NATO and its presence in Indian and Pacific waters to prevent conflict: “As I have told other world leaders, I emphasized to China’s President that America will not fall short of its commitment to fundamental freedoms and human rights.”

Regarding the plan to withdraw American forces from Afghanistan, he also referenced the reduction of terrorist threats from al-Qaeda and the elimination of Osama bin Laden, saying: “We did not go to Afghanistan for generations…. We had promised to follow Osama bin Laden to the gates of hell, and now after 20 years it is time for the troops to come home.”

Social Reforms, Vaccination Success

Biden had promised that in his first 100 days in office, 100 million Americans would be vaccinated. He praised the government’s success in immunizing 200 million people in this period and Congress’s passage of an economic aid package, saying: “After completing the vaccination of its population, America will become a vaccine supplier to other countries.”

He announced government plans for job creation, family support, modernization of roads, railways and airports, water supply networks, universal access to high-speed internet, and the installation of half a million electric vehicle charging stations on highways. The establishment and expansion of childcare centers and plans to address racial inequalities will be among the other main investment initiatives of the Biden administration.

Two major family and employment plans are regarded as the most extensive social reforms in America since the 1960s. If approved by Congress, the astronomical budget for these two plans will be funded through increased taxes on the income of the wealthiest segment of society and corporations.

In the family plan, the government provides approximately $300 per month in assistance to low-income families for each child. Biden said in his speech: “With the government’s economic aid package, the number of poor children in America will be cut in half.”

Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States, and Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of Congress, stood behind Biden during his address. This is the first time in American history that two women simultaneously hold such positions.

Source: DW