Biden Seeks to ‘Strengthen and Extend’ Restrictions on Iran’s Nuclear Program

According to White House Spokesman, President Joe Biden is pursuing through diplomacy the “strengthening and extension” of restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and discussions on other “concerning issues.” He also stated that Iran must return to its commitments in the JCPOA.

Joe Biden, the new President of the United States, will discuss Iran’s nuclear program with American allies. Jennifer Psaki, White House Spokesperson, announced this news on Wednesday, January 20 (January 1 in the Iranian calendar) at her first press conference, stating: “The President has emphasized that he believes the United States, through continued diplomacy, is pursuing the extension and strengthening of restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and discussion of other concerning issues.”

She continued: “To this end, Iran must return to its commitments in the nuclear agreement.” According to Psaki, Biden’s recent discussions with partners and allies have been part of these efforts.

The nuclear agreement between the five permanent members plus one and Iran was signed in 2015 in order to control this country’s nuclear program. However, Donald Trump, by withdrawing from this agreement in 2018, effectively paved the way for the advancement of the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.

Currently, Iran has abandoned many of its commitments under the JCPOA and is engaged in 20 percent uranium enrichment and the production of uranium metal; matters from which it was restricted under the JCPOA.

Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on Wednesday, January 1, coinciding with Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration ceremony, called on the United States to return to the nuclear agreement.

Source: DW