News / Foreign Policy

Obama calls Netanyahu over Iran nuclear deal

Friday, 03 April 2015 9:29 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 03 April 2015 10:40 AM ]

President Barack Obama talking on the phone aboard Air Force One

President Barack Obama has called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reassure him of US commitment to Israel’s security following a “historic” nuclear understanding with Iran.

Obama spoke to Netanyahu from aboard Air Force One on Thursday to discuss a nuclear understanding reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of world powers – the US, Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany.

The US president told Netanyahu that he had directed his national security team to "increase consultations with the new Israeli government about how we can further strengthen our long-term security cooperation with Israel and remain vigilant in countering Iran’s threats," according to the White House.

“The president emphasized that, while nothing is agreed until everything is, the framework represents significant progress towards a lasting, comprehensive solution” to Iran’s nuclear program, the White House said.

US Secretary of State John Kerry (L), Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (C) and EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini arrived at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne after Iran nuclear talks finished with extended sessions April 2, 2015 in Lausanne. (AFP photo)

Iran and the world powers reached the framework agreement in the Swiss city of Lausanne on Thursday.

Obama hailed the "historic understanding" with Iran, saying it paves the way for a final agreement in three months.

The two sides have set July 1 as the final deadline for a comprehensive deal.

Netanyahu however bitterly opposed the agreement, warning Obama during the phone call that, “This deal threatens the survival of [Israel]."

"This deal will not block Iran’s path to the bomb; this deal paves the way to it,” Netanyahu told Obama.

The nuclear understanding caps off months of efforts by Netanyahu to block any nuclear agreement with Iran, most notably his controversial speech before the US Congress in March, which was arranged by House Speaker John Boehner.

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