The Senate overwhelmingly confirmed Tuesday US President Joe Biden's pick Tuesday to lead the State Department, making him the fourth Cabinet-level official to receive the chamber's blessing since Biden took office last week.
The final 78-22 vote clears the way for Anthony Blinken to become America's next top diplomat as Biden seeks to return the US to active multilateral engagement with the world.
Prior to Blinken, Avril Haines received confirmation to become the Director of National Intelligence, followed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
Antony Blinken, a longtime aide to Joe Biden and former deputy Secretary of State, has been confirmed by the Senate to be the Secretary of State. https://t.co/QjphtcZsau
— ABC News (@ABC) January 26, 2021
Blinken previously served in the Obama administration as deputy Secretary of State and deputy National Security Advisor. He worked with Biden personally as an advisor during his time in the Senate and while he was vice president.
Among the challenges ahead for Blinken will be leading the US push to re-engage with Iran after former US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign saw Washington unilaterally leave in 2018 the landmark nuclear agreement Tehran negotiated with world powers while imposing layers of economic sanctions that have eviscerated Iran's economy.
Heartfelt congrats to @ABlinken on today’s Senate confirmation!
— Jeppe Kofod (@JeppeKofod) January 26, 2021
Look forward to fighting together for democracy, a more secure, greener future. Defend shared values.
Denmark welcomes renewed US leadership in international institutions - we’ll do our part to support that goal! pic.twitter.com/8t9mms48R3
It is unclear how Biden plans to return the US to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, and Blinken offered no specifics during his confirmation hearing last week. But Iran has demanded that US sanctions be lifted before it returns to full compliance.
Blinken will also have to work on restoring relations with key allies in Europe after ties deteriorated under Trump, and charting a path forward vis-a-vis China.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
