"US to Choose Alternative Path if Iran Nuclear Deal Diplomacy Fails"

"Possibility of Military Options"... Talks Expected with Israel
Iran Demands Unfreezing of Funds First... Negotiations Likely Difficult

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As high-level talks between the United States and Israel are imminent regarding the resumption of negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), the Biden administration is reportedly considering military options if diplomatic negotiations with Iran fail. Iran continues to insist that the U.S. must first lift the freezing of funds before resuming talks, making negotiations between the two sides expected to be difficult, which is interpreted as a move to pressure Iran.

On the 4th (local time), the U.S. political media outlet The Hill reported, citing a senior Biden administration official, that the U.S. government is also considering the use of military force if negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal fail. The senior official stated, "Of course, we are committed to the diplomatic path, but if that does not work, there is certainly another path that must be pursued," and added, "President Biden has also expressed an open stance regarding military options," The Hill reported.

In addition, the U.S. government is reportedly planning to discuss both diplomatic and military options related to the Iran nuclear deal with Israel. Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, is scheduled to hold talks with Eyal Hulata, Israel’s National Security Advisor, starting on the 5th. According to CNN, this meeting, known as the U.S.-Israel consultation group, is expected to discuss issues related to the Iran nuclear deal as well as funding support for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system.

The U.S. government's indication of the possibility of military options and discussions on Iran with Israel, a hardline country against Iran, is interpreted as a warning message to Iran, which remains passive in nuclear deal negotiations. The Iranian government has stated it will attempt to resume nuclear deal talks by November, but insists that the U.S. must first lift the freezing of funds.

Earlier, on the 2nd, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said in an interview with state media, "If the U.S. is serious about negotiations, it must first show sincerity," and pointed out, "At the very least, the $10 billion in assets frozen by the U.S. must be released first."