Table of Contents
The Observation
- The Trump administration abandoned the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed strict economic sanctions on Iran.
- During his presidential debates, Biden did indicate that he was willing to reenter the JCPOA.
- Now that Biden presidency has started, his big challenge in West Asia, is how he handles different powers there.
What about Iran?
What about Iran?
- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani
- US not Iran — has to move first. “If Washington returns to Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal, we will also fully respect our commitments under the pact”.
- The ball is “in the US court now”
What about Iran?
- Avril Haines , Director of national intelligence, on asking if US is rejoining the nuclear accord.
- “I think, frankly, we’re a long ways from that”.
- Secretary of State, Antony Blinkenmade similar comments.
- “We would have to evaluate whether they were actually making good if they say they are coming back into compliance with their obligations, and then we would take it from there.”
What about Israel?
- In terms of Israel, which is preparing for its own elections soon, the Biden administration may not be as supportive as Team Trump was.
- But the Biden has a long and good history with Israel.
- There might be some friction between the U.S. and Israel, but ultimately the relationship will be strong.
What about Saudi?
- Saudi Arabia got a pass from the Trump administration on the controversial moves of its crown prince Mohammed bin Salman who began consolidating power.
- But under Biden, Washington and Riyadh relations may be headed for some problems.
- Issue areas
- Criticism over Yemen war
- Qatar blockade
- Justice Jamal Khashoggi
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