Biden to Rivlin: Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch

US President Joe Biden tells Israeli President Reuven Rivlin: “Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch.”

Speaking in the Oval Office, Biden says the two leaders will discuss various issues, including Iran, during the closed-door portion of their meeting.

“As American president, my commitment to Israel is… ironclad. It’s something that I often say, ‘If there wasn’t an Israel, we’d have to make one.’ This includes… an unwavering commitment to Israel’s self defense,” says Biden.

“Today, we’re going to be discussing a broad range of topics including Iran. I can say that Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch. I directed last night’s airstrikes targeting sites used by Iranian-backed militia groups responsible for recent attacks on US personnel in Iraq,” adds the American president.

Biden says his administration is working closely with the new Israeli government led by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

“I look forward to hosting Prime Minister Bennett in the White House very soon.”

He also says the US backs the recent normalization deals between Israel and Arab countries.

“The US fully supports the normalization of relations between Israel and Middle Eastern countries and that we’re making headway on, and [in] Africa as well. We’re really looking forward to building back a wider bloc of peace and stability,” he says.

“Going forward, the US and Israel will continue to work together to advance peace in the region, and stability,” says Biden.