US, Israel To Sign Jerusalem Declaration Against Nuclear Iran

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid will sign the Jerusalem Declaration this week, which also pledges a joint stance against a nuclear Iran.

The declaration that outlines US-Israeli strategic partnership will include a mutual commitment against Iran’s nuclear program and regional aggression, with both countries pledging they will use “all elements of national power” to ensure Iran never builds a nuclear weapon.

President Biden will be in Israel on Thursday during a regional trip, with the highlight of a long-expected visit to Saudi Arabia.

During Biden’s visit Iran will be a focal point of discussions, with attempts to launch a regional air defense system including Israel and US Arab allies. It could also culminate in steps to bring Saudi Arabia closer to normalizing relations with Israel.

President Biden is also expected to reaffirm US commitment to Israel’s security with annual assistance and a pledge to uphold its military edge, which is becoming more important with the advance of Iran’s missile program.

The Jerusalem Post quoted an unnamed official as saying that Iran will be at the top of the bilateral agenda, with talks to restore the 2015 nuclear deal stalled and Iran boosting uranium enrichment. He added that Iran is playing for time, calculating that the longer the current situation lasts the more advantage it will gain.