Africa's week in pictures: 12-18 February 2021

The Week

U.S. open to starting talks on Iran nuclear deal

The Biden administration announced on Thursday that the United States is willing to sit down with other world powers to discuss returning to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement the U.S. would accept an invitation from the European Union High Representative to attend a meeting with Iran, Germany, and the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council “to discuss a diplomatic way forward on Iran’s nuclear program.” A State Department official told reporters that it’s not yet clear if Tehran will agree to participate in the meeting. The Iran nuclear deal, meant to keep Iran from developing nuclear weapons, was abandoned in 2018 during the Trump administration. Iran is threatening to stop International Atomic Energy Agency inspections of its nuclear facilities next week, saying the U.S. needs to hold up some of its commitments made as part of the 2015 deal. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Thursday said if “Iran comes back into strict compliance with its commitments … the United States will do the same.” More stories from theweek.comThe chilling tributes to Rush LimbaughUnited States to pledge $4 billion in funding for global vaccine effortBeto O’Rourke is organizing wellness checks for seniors during Texas’ blackouts. Ted Cruz is in Cancun.

source: yahoo.com