Remarks by President Biden at Press Conference (Excerpts)

April 16, 2021

Weapon Program: 

  • Nuclear

[...]

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Next question is — goes to Trevor of Reuters.

Q: Thank you.  Mr. President, it’s been a while since we’ve heard an update from you on how the talks are going with Iran.  How are they going?  And do you regard their decision to enrich to 60 percent as a step backwards — as a sign that they aren’t serious about those negotiations?

[...]

PRESIDENT BIDEN: Let me respond to the Iran question.  We do not support and do not think it’s at all helpful that Iran is saying it’s going to move to enrich to 60 percent.  It is contrary to the agreement.  We are, though, nonetheless pleased that Iran has continued to agree to engage in discussions — in direct discussions with us and with our — our partners on how we move forward and what is needed to allow us to move back into the JOPCA [JCPOA], and so that we are a part of it again — that we should have never gotten out of, in my view — without us making concessions that I’m — we’re just not willing to make. 

And so the discussions are underway.  I think it’s premature to make a judgement as to what the outcome will be, but we’re still talking.

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