President Obama called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday in an attempt to smooth over Israeli anger at the U.S.-brokered pact that eases sanctions against Iran in return for tighter monitoring of its nuclear program.
The White House said that Israel “has good reason to be skeptical about Iran’s intentions” and that Mr. Obama “underscored that the United States will remain firm in our commitment to Israel.”
“Consistent with our commitment to consult closely with our Israeli friends, the president told the prime minister that he wants the United States and Israel to begin consultations immediately regarding our efforts to negotiate a comprehensive solution,” the White House said.
Mr. Netanyahu called the deal with Iran a “historic mistake” and said Iran will not live up to its end of the bargain, which was negotiated by the U.S. and five other world powers and announced Saturday.
The agreement calls for Iran to allow more international monitoring of its uranium enrichment program in return for the lifting of $7 billion worth of sanctions in the short term.
The White House said Mr. Obama and Mr. Netanyahu “reaffirmed their shared goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.”
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• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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