The Islamic Republic of Iran has confirmed that it will not negotiate again with the United States regarding the nuclear agreement.
The Iranian confirmation came from Mahmoud Vaezi, the head of the Iranian Presidential Office, on Friday, who stated, "Negotiations on the nuclear agreement have occurred before, and there will be no new negotiations regarding it." The Iranian news agency quoted Vaezi as saying, "We hope that Biden will not pursue the same policies as the previous administration." He pointed out that Donald Trump's policy caused severe damage to the United States and also fostered resentment among Iranians. Vaezi clarified that Iran is not concerned with what is happening in the United States, noting that concerning the nuclear agreement, it depends on the extent to which the United States fulfills its commitments under the agreement. He said, "If they are sincere in their commitment, the situation and circumstances will change." Vaezi emphasized that it is up to the Americans whether they want to return to the nuclear agreement or not, highlighting that what matters to Iran is the lifting of sanctions against the Iranian people.
Meanwhile, Antony Blinken, the nominee for U.S. Secretary of State under President-elect Joe Biden, indicated that Iran is taking many steps to free itself from the constraints of the nuclear agreement, emphasizing that the U.S. has an urgent responsibility to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Blinken added during a Senate hearing that Washington intends to involve Gulf countries and Israel in any nuclear negotiations regarding Iran. He stated that "the Biden administration is committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and will involve Gulf countries and Israel in any negotiations." Blinken additionally noted that Iran's possession of nuclear weapons would make it more dangerous than it is now.
