Biden ‘Unwilling’ To Punish Iran Over Record Nuclear Expansion (Worthy News Focus)
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – European diplomats suggest that U.S. President Joe Biden appears “unwilling” to pressure Iran over revelations that it has expanded its stockpile of enriched uranium to nearly weapons-grade levels.
Despite the Islamic Republic being close to producing nuclear weapons, the same diplomats told reporters that it “is pressing European allies to back off plans” to rebuke Iran.
The Biden administration “appears unwilling” to either” pursue a serious diplomatic effort with Iran or take punitive actions” against Tehran’s nuclear transgressions, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
At the heart of the dispute are ongoing concerns in some European countries, particularly France and Britain, that Washington “lacks a strategy” for dealing with Iran’s nuclear advances.
It was expected to complicate further Biden’s efforts to seek re-election in November, with his main rival, Donald J. Trump, describing him as “weak” towards Iran and on other issues.
The Europeans were strong supporters of a 2015 nuclear deal, which lifted most international sanctions on Iran in exchange for tight but temporary restrictions on Iran’s atomic work.
Europe sought to preserve the accord after the Trump administration exited it in 2018.
ALLIES CONCERNED
However, Israel and several of its European allies are concerned that Iran has further increased its controversial nuclear stockpile. A leaked report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), monitored by Worthy News, showed Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity is now 142.1 kilograms (313.277 pounds).
That is an increase of 20.6 kilograms (45.415 pounds) since the same U.N. nuclear watchdog’s last report in February.
The IAEA also said that the deaths of Iran’s president and foreign minister in a helicopter crash on May 19 “have forced a pause” in its watchdog’s talks with Tehran over improving cooperation.
Yet the U.S. is still “arguing” against an effort by Britain and France to censure Iran at the IAEA’s member state board in early June, said diplomats speaking on customary condition of anonymity.
The differences are emerging as Western officials’ concerns have deepened about Iran’s nuclear activities.
Some U.S. officials reportedly say they fear Iran could be “more volatile” as the country prepares for elections for a new leader after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash earlier this month.
The Biden administration has long said it is seeking “a diplomatic solution” to Iran’s nuclear program but has failed to specify its plans.
EUROPEAN WARNINGS
European diplomats have warned that failure to take action would undermine the authority of the IAEA, which polices nonproliferation of nuclear weapons.
They say it also weakens the credibility of Western pressure on Iran. And they are frustrated over what they view as U.S. efforts to undermine their approach.
A U.S. officials familiar with Biden’s thinking say that Washington is “tightly coordinated” with its European partners ahead of the IAEA board meeting next month: “Any speculation about decisions is premature.”
They also claim that the U.S. has been pressuring Iran already with ongoing sanctions and international isolation, citing measures taken by the Group of Seven advanced democracies after an Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel last month.
They have denied as“totally false” suggestions Washington is aiming to avoid tensions with Iran before the U.S. elections, which would give more political ammunition to Trump.
Yet, with time running out before Iran could develop nuclear weapons, much of Europe and Israel are among those anxiously watching Washington’s next moves, if any.
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