Iran Nuclear Deal Talks: Biden Admininistration Walks Back Iran ‘Fielded’-Weapon Comments

Last month, General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, set off speculation that the Biden administration had shifted the goalposts on the long-standing U.S. policy to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The administration, in statements since then, has walked back the remarks. But there are still unanswered questions, which are all the more important in light of reports that the U.S. is reviving its nuclear diplomacy with Iran.

During an appearance before the House Appropriations Committee’s panel on defense, Milley addressed reports that Iran’s enrichment capabilities had moved it closer to producing a nuclear weapon. He revealed that Tehran could enrich the material necessary for one within two weeks and produce “an actual nuclear weapon” several months later.

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Jimmy Quinn

Jimmy Quinn is the former national security correspondent for National Review.

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Last month, General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, set off speculation that the Biden administration had shifted the goalposts on the long-standing U.S. policy to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The administration, in statements since then, has walked back the remarks. But there are still unanswered questions, which are all the more important in light of reports that the U.S. is reviving its nuclear diplomacy with Iran.

During an appearance before the House Appropriations Committee’s panel on defense, Milley addressed reports that Iran’s enrichment capabilities had moved it closer to producing a nuclear weapon. He revealed that Tehran could enrich the material necessary for one within two weeks and produce “an actual nuclear weapon” several months later.