Answering the questions of journalists in the capital Washington, Blinken said that “nothing has changed, the process of deterrence, pressure and diplomacy continues” regarding the general approach of the USA to Iran.
“We remain committed to ensuring that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons. We continue to hold the regime accountable for human rights violations, destabilizing actions in the region, financing terrorism and providing drones to Russia,” Blinken said.
Stating that he met with the families of 5 Americans still held in Iran yesterday, Blinken said, “Putting our people under house arrest is a positive step, but they have not yet returned to their homes.”
Antony Blinken stressed that Iran’s funds in South Korea do not belong to American taxpayers, but Iran’s own money, which has been in South Korean banks for several years.
“The previous administration allowed several countries to continue to buy oil from Iran and deposit these funds in private accounts,” said Blinken, noting that Iran was only allowed to use its funds in South Korean banks for humanitarian needs.
Japan’s nuclear power plant releases water into the ocean
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said they were not upset with Japan’s plan to release purified radioactive water from the tsunami-damaged Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean.
“We are pleased with Japan’s plans to evacuate water from Fukushima in line with international standards. Japan has proactively cooperated closely with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) in its plans and has conducted a science-based and transparent process,” Blinken said.
Blinken also recalled the trilateral summit that US President Joe Biden will hold on August 18 with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
“It is part of our broader efforts to help realize our vision of a prosperous, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific partner,” said Blinken for Friday’s summit.
In a written statement from the White House at the end of July, it was reported that US President Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol at the Camp David campus near Washington DC on August 18.