Secretary of State Antony Blinken conferred with E3 counterparts on their “common resolve to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon”. According to a U.S. readout, the four “agreed that a diplomatic solution entailing a mutual return to full implementation of the JCPOA is the best outcome, but noted that we are prepared for other scenarios if necessary”. The same day, Blinken remarked that he was “not overly optimistic at the prospects of actually getting an agreement to conclusion… It would be in the best interests of our country if we can get back into compliance with the deal, if Iran will do the same. We’re not there”.