Antony Blinken Calls Reports of U.S.-Iran Nuclear Agreement 'Incorrect'

Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, dismissed reports of a 'U.S.-Iran agreement to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the release of detained American hostages' as 'incorrect.' According to Voice of America, the Secretary of State stated that the reports of an agreement to limit Iran's nuclear program and the release of American citizens are incorrect, but he confirmed indirect negotiations with Iran through Oman, covering nuclear issues, U.S. sanctions, and detained Americans. While these negotiations have led to 'speculation' about a potential agreement, Blinken emphasized that no such agreement exists. On the other hand, Kanani, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, welcomed the efforts of Omani officials and confirmed that messages regarding the lifting of U.S. sanctions have been exchanged. In this context, on Thursday, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee expressed objection to the 'possible decision by the government to negotiate with Iran' and wrote in a letter to Joe Biden: 'I was disappointed by recent news that the White House is seeking a new nuclear agreement with Iran without informing Congress.' Michael McCaul expressed disappointment over 'the lack of transparency and consultation by the White House with Congress' and noted that the State Department had not responded to the House Foreign Affairs Committee's request for testimony from 'Robert Malley,' the special envoy for Iran. A review of the International Atomic Energy Agency's questions to the Islamic Republic of Iran, the initial response of Olli Heinonen to Khamenei's claim that the agency has coercive demands, a U.S. presidential candidate stating that the JCPOA is outdated and unsuitable for the present era, the former head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization stating that they did not dismantle the JCPOA but produced uranium metal, McCaul stating that any agreement that 'merely limits' Iran's nuclear program is a serious threat to U.S. national security, the former deputy of the International Atomic Energy Agency urging Iran to assist in 'verification,' and Abolfazl Ghadiani stating that the nuclear industry is a tool for the continuation of Khamenei's 'illegitimate' rule.