Sec State Blinken: US Approach To Iran Has Not Changed

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has restated that negotiations between the US and Iran to free detained Americans in exchange for access to frozen Iranian oil revenue is "not linked to any other aspect [US'] Iran policy."

• Blinken: "Nothing about our overall approach to Iran has changed. We continue to pursue a strategy of deterrence, pressure, and diplomacy. We remain committed to ensuring that Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. We continue to hold the regime accountable for its human rights abuses, destabilisation actions in the region, funding of terrorism, provision of drones to Russia, among many other offenses."
• Blinken: "Iran must de-escalate to create space for future diplomacy. This [deal] is not linked with any other aspect of our Iran policy."
• Blinken's comments come amid speculation that the first significant diplomatic breakthrough in years could foreshadow a return to the JCPOA nuclear deal and potentially provide a pathway for Iranian oil to return to markets.
• Blinken's comments are likely designed to address criticism from Iran hawks in Congress stating that the deal is a sign that the Biden administration is loosening its position on Iran and alleging that unfrozen funds could be used for malign applications.