Obama, Netanyahu discuss Israel-Palestine talks, Iran crisis

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has called the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the progress in recent Israel-Palestine peace talks as well as the West's continuing standoff with Iran over its nuclear programme.

As part of their regular communication and cooperation on bilateral and regional issues, Obama yesterday spoke with Netanyahu, the White House said, adding that they reviewed recent meetings between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators in Amman.

Obama reaffirmed his commitment to the goal of a comprehensive and lasting peace in the region, it said.

The two leaders also discussed recent Iran-related developments, including the international community's efforts to hold Iran accountable for its failures to meet its international obligations, the White House said.

Obama reiterated his unshakable commitment to Israel's security.

"The President and the Prime Minister promised to stay in touch in the coming weeks on these and other issues of mutual concern," it said.

At a news conference, State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said the US is intensively involved with both sides.

"The President himself spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu today as the White House has read out, including on this subject. So we are doing our best to play our role, to encourage this effort," she said.

"The Jordanians are obviously playing a vital role. But what's most important is that in that room, the parties are talking to each other. And it's also frankly a good thing that they're talking to each other without having to have all of us sit with them," Nuland said.