Tel Aviv prepares for worst as Biden Administration intends on rejoining Iranian nuclear deal

WASHINGTON, D.C. — At a time when negotiations on a nuclear deal between the United States and Iran remain in limbo, there have been voices against completing negotiations from within the corridors of the U.S. Congress, specifically by Republicans, including Senior Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Jim Rich.

Sen. Rich sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Thursday urging him to suspend negotiations immediately, saying that the Iranian regime has engaged in numerous criminal practices and cited the four Iranian intelligence agents who planned to abduct an U.S.-based Iranian activist.

Rich’s letter is a response to remarks made by White House spokesperson Jane Saki at a press conference who said that Washington will continue negotiations with Tehran on reviving the nuclear deal despite the Biden Administration’s condemnation of the abduction plot.

Saki stressed that the Biden Administration has not considered Iran a positive party in the international arena, but at the same time continues to believe that participating in ongoing discussions serves U.S. national interests.

On the Iranian side, a diplomatic source said that Iran is not ready to resume negotiations before the new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi takes power in the country. The source added that Iran has made its position clear to European officials who are mediating the negotiations.

Iran’s position indicates that the negotiations will not restart until at least mid-August.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, speaking at a graduation ceremony of individuals who will take over the country’s top defense command, said that Tel Aviv will face the challenge of the Iranian nuclear threat in the future and must be prepared. He explaining that there is a need to build strength, increase their capabilities, and adapt operational tools.