Blinken: Iran Will Never Be Allowed to Acquire Nuclear Weapons

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Monday, "Iran cannot be allowed, and will not be allowed, to acquire nuclear weapons." Speaking at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) meeting, he emphasized that the U.S. commitment to Israel's security is "ironclad" and non-negotiable. He pointed to the "multiple dangers facing Israel," asserting that the greatest threat comes from the Iranian regime. According to Blinken, the Islamic Republic "constantly threatens to wipe Israel off the map [and] continues to provide weapons to terrorists and proxy forces like Hezbollah and Hamas - who deny Israel's right to exist." Blinken added that the Islamic Republic "continues its aggression throughout the region and even exports it beyond [the region]. This includes supplying drones to Russian forces; drones that are used to kill civilians and destroy Ukraine's infrastructure. In return, Russia provides advanced weaponry to Iran." The U.S. Secretary of State stated that this "hostile behavior" shows that "Iran cannot be allowed, and will not be allowed, to acquire nuclear weapons." However, he reiterated, "We still believe that diplomacy is the best way to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons" in a manner that is "verifiable, effective, and sustainable." He added, "Alongside that, diplomatic pressure and deterrence strengthen our diplomacy." Blinken noted, "If Iran rejects the path of diplomacy, then as President Biden has made clear multiple times, all options are on the table to ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons." According to Blinken, this "three-pronged approach - namely diplomacy, economic pressure, and deterrence, which also includes bolstering Israel's military - enjoys bipartisan support and puts us in the strongest possible position to confront the Iranian nuclear threat - while we deal with multiple other threats from the Iranian regime." Blinken's remarks come as Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, and several senior Israeli officials announced during a visit to the White House last Thursday that they would continue discussions on increasing coordination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and ways to counter the threats posed by the Islamic Republic and its proxies. Following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, the Islamic Republic has increased uranium enrichment. Israeli and Western officials say Iran could reach 90% enrichment, which is weapon-grade, within weeks from 60% enrichment. Netanyahu accused the International Atomic Energy Agency of "capitulating" to Iran. Netanyahu stated that Israel will not allow the Islamic Republic to acquire nuclear weapons. The U.S. reiterated that the JCPOA is not on our agenda, as the Iranians were not negotiating in good faith. Concerns persist regarding the escalation of Iran's nuclear activities. The U.S. Special Envoy for Iran stated that the military option is on the table, but diplomacy is preferred.