"Iran Nuclear Deal Is Dead," Biden's Remark Revealed Late

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] It was recently revealed that U.S. President Joe Biden referred to the restoration talks of the 'Iran Nuclear Deal' (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) as "dead."

According to Axios on the 20th (local time), President Biden, during a visit to Oceanside, California on the 4th of last month for an election campaign just before the November 8 midterm elections, responded "No" when a woman asked if he could announce that the JCPOA was dead. When asked why not, Biden said, "There are many reasons. It is dead, but we will not announce it." Regarding the comment that "the Iranian government does not represent us (the people)," he said, "I know they do not represent you. But they will have nuclear weapons."

These remarks became known as a video of the situation at the time spread on social media such as Twitter. In response, John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications, acknowledged the current stalemate in negotiations, stating that "there has been no progress in talks with Iran, and we do not expect any progress in the near future." He added, "The JCPOA is not currently our focus" and "It is not on the agenda."

The U.S., along with France, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, and Germany, signed the JCPOA with Iran in 2015, but unilaterally withdrew in 2018 during the Donald Trump administration. Since then, the Biden administration has been conducting restoration talks mediated by the European Union (EU). Although there was a moment when progress seemed possible, the restoration talks have stalled again over detailed discussions. Additionally, anti-government protests in Iran and subsequent U.S. sanctions have intensified conflicts between the two sides. Currently, the Biden administration is also expressing opposition to Iran supplying drones and other equipment to Russia, which invaded Ukraine.

In this context, the Biden administration's decision not to officially declare the deal dead is interpreted as an attempt to keep diplomatic possibilities open externally and to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear weapons program. Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said at a briefing that "Iran has killed the opportunity to quickly return to mutual compliance with the JCPOA," while asserting that "what is still alive is the president's and government's commitment that Iran will never have nuclear weapons." However, he indicated that "no options have been removed from the table," suggesting all possibilities from diplomacy to additional sanctions.

Meanwhile, Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, met with the Iranian Foreign Minister at a meeting held in Jordan on the same day and conveyed the need for continuous communication among the parties to resume JCPOA restoration talks, to which the Iranian side also agreed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.