“Iran has a historic opportunity to resolve the international community’s concerns about its nuclear program, and we agreed that Iran needs to seize that opportunity,” President Obama said on June 8 following the G7 Summit in Germany.
“Beyond Europe, we discussed the negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, and we remain united heading into the final stages of the talks,” Obama said.
In April, negotiators from the P5+1 countries (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany) reached a political understanding with Iran over its nuclear program. Talks continue, aimed at reaching a final deal by June 30.
The G7 Leaders’ Declaration welcomes the political understanding of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action reached on April 2 and supports efforts to reach a comprehensive solution by June 30 that ensures Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.
“We call on Iran to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency on verification of Iran’s nuclear activities and to address all outstanding issues, including those relating to possible military dimensions,” the declaration says. “We urge Iran to respect the human rights of its citizens and to contribute constructively to regional stability.”
In remarks to the American Jewish Committee’s Global Forum in Washington, Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States believes the best way to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon is with a verified, negotiated agreement.
“The United States and Israel share an absolute conviction that Iran must not, under any circumstances, be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon,” Blinken said. “When it comes to that core strategic goal, there is not an inch of daylight between the United States and Israel.”