Biden: Iran's nuclear program is a serious threat to global security

In his first speech to Congress, the US President announced that Washington would address threats from Iran and North Korea through diplomacy and strong deterrence. He added that the US would continue to have a decisive presence in the Indo-Pacific.

In his first speech to the US Congress, Joe Biden discussed the return of the United States to the international stage, accompanied by its allies, and considered the nuclear programs of Tehran and Pyongyang a serious threat to the security of the United States and the world.

"We will work closely with our allies to confront the threats from these two countries through diplomacy and deterrence," he said.

Biden did not say anything about the revival of the JCPOA and the ongoing talks.

Regarding US-Russian relations, he referred to the two countries' cooperation on nuclear arms control or climate issues, and said: "I have told Putin that we are not seeking to increase tensions, but if Moscow's interference in the elections or cyberattacks on American institutions are proven, we will respond appropriately... Putin knows that if he takes any action, we will respond."

Biden said the United States will continue to provide military support to Europe and NATO and to maintain a presence in the Indo-Pacific to prevent conflict. "As I have told other world leaders, I have also emphasized to the President of China that the United States will not compromise on its commitment to fundamental freedoms and human rights," he said.

Regarding the plan to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan, he also referred to the reduction of the terrorist threat from Al-Qaeda and the elimination of Bin Laden, saying: "We did not go to Afghanistan for several generations... We promised to accompany Bin Laden to the gates of hell, and now, after 20 years, it is time for the troops to return home."

Social reforms, vaccination success

Biden had promised to vaccinate 100 million Americans in his first 100 days in office. He praised the administration's success in vaccinating 200 million people during that period and the support of Congress in passing the economic aid package, saying, "The United States will become a supplier of vaccines to other countries after completing the vaccination of its own population."

He announced the government's plans to create jobs, support families, renovate roads, railways and airports, improve water supply networks, provide universal access to high-speed internet, and install half a million electric vehicle charging stations on highways. The construction and expansion of child care centers and plans to combat racial inequalities will be among the main investments of the Biden administration.

The two mega-plans, Family and Jobs, are considered the most sweeping social reforms in America since the 1960s. If passed by Congress, the astronomical budget for these two plans would be financed by an increase in income taxes on the wealthiest segment of society and corporations.

In the Family Plan, the government provides low-income families with about $300 per month per child. In his speech, Biden said, among other things, "With the government's economic aid package, the number of poor children in America will be halved."

Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stood behind Biden as he delivered his speech, marking the first time in American history that two women have held such positions at the same time.

Source: DW