Thursday, October 14, 2021

Blinken: We're prepared to turn to other options if Iran doesn't change course

Asked whether the US retains a military option should Iran talks fall through, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken on Wednesday said that the US is "prepared to turn to other options if Iran doesn't change course."

"We are committed to not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon," he explained, also saying that "Israel has the right to defend itself, and we strongly support that proposition."

"We are getting close to a point at which returning to compliance with the JCPOA will not in and of itself recapture the benefits of the JCPOA and that's because Iran has been using this time to advance its nuclear program in a variety of ways," said Blinken.

Blinken spoke at a press conference at the State Department also attended by FM Lapid and the FM of UAE.

Spokesperson Ned Price said, "Secretary Blinken met today with Israeli Foreign Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Yair Lapid, whom he welcomed to Washington for the Minister’s first official visit."

"The Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed a range of issues, including Iran, Syria, and the People’s Republic of China. Secretary Blinken and the Minister also discussed opportunities to enhance regional normalization efforts as well as energy and economic cooperation.

"The Secretary reiterated the Administration’s support for measures that enhance the prospects for a two-state solution and tangibly improve the lives of Palestinians and Israelis. The Secretary also underscored the ironclad US commitment to Israel’s security."