Iran (Washington Insider Magazine) -In the most recent quarterly report the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran has “continued to increase” its stockpile of elements necessary to build nuclear weapons, and other violations of the commitments made to the international community, including hampering efforts of inspectors attempting to monitor sensitive sites.
On December 5th, in an effort to ease concerns regarding their lack of cooperation, Iran’s officials in Tehran agreed to allow inspectors to “service” surveillance cameras located in Iran’s nuclear sites.
After meeting for talks in Cairo this month, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal bin Farhan confirmed their agreement on many issues of security in the region. Following the meeting, at a joint press conference, Prince Faisal expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s stand on confronting the actions of Houthi militia forces in Yemen. He also stated there is a definite need for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Egypt to work closely to counteract terrorism in the region. The two nations agreed to “expand the volume of cooperation and consultation.” Prince Faisal also repeated the importance of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He stated that there had been no meetings between Iran and Saudi Arabia during the previous week, but that his country remains open to discussions.
Meanwhile in Washington, Speaker Psaki stated on Thursday, December 9th, that President Biden continues to be committed to preventing Iran’s development of nuclear weapons, but by doing so diplomatically. Psaki did go on to commend that due to Iran’s rapidly advancing programs, the Administration is prepared to protect National security interests if diplomacy ceases.
Upon taking the reins of the US government, the Biden Administration revisited the treaty (JCPOA), restarting talks with Iran starting in April 2021 in Vienna. Diplomats participating in the talks believed initially that some progress was being made, however, Iran recently demanded the US immediately remove all sanctions. Both sides are currently deadlocked. Psaki refused to elaborate upon what specific condition or time frame to occur before the US considers the negotiations to have failed.
When pressed, she did confirm that the US has a diplomatic plan in place, although the timeline has not been established for its use. Authorities are currently evaluating the last conversations regarding nuclear advancement, and hope to continue as they have been. At the moment, the US is not in any danger, the Administration is simply preparing to play defense if needed.
State Department spokesperson Ted Price reported it would take some time to see if Iran would drop their demand for removal of all sanctions, and to see if they are willing to be flexible. Ultimately, Washington hopes to enforce and support JCPOA and go beyond that agreement to further restrict its nuclear ambitions and address the missile program, while continuing efforts to destabilize the region.
This is also what National alliances in the Middle East are looking for. Israel’s defense authority Benny Gantz and Prince Faisal agreed last week that restoring JCPOA is not enough. Minister Gantz is suggesting joint military readiness in the region in the event that Iran actually does achieve its nuclear aspirations.
