White House denies Obama snubbed Netanyahu over Iran deal
The White House has denied President Barack Obama snubbed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by calling other leaders first about a nuclear understanding with Iran.
“I would not read too much into the ordering of the calls,” White House spokesman Eric Schultz told reporters on Friday. “Sometimes that has to do with who we can get a hold of and when and how.”
Obama called Netanyahu on Thursday to reassure him of US commitment to Israel’s security after Iran and the P5+1 announced that they had determined the outlines of a nuclear agreement.
The understanding was a major breakthrough in the West’s 12-year standoff with Iran over its nuclear program.
Schultz said Obama meant no disrespect by calling other world leaders before Netanyahu.
Netanyahu, who has bitterly opposed the nuclear talks, relayed his concerns to Obama about the framework agreement.
He said if the outline of the agreement becomes finalized, it would threaten the survival of Israel, according to the White House.
“I think I would tell you the arguments that the prime minister makes in public are mirrored in what he makes in private,” Schultz said.
Obama reiterated Saturday that diplomacy was the best option with Iran, adding he expected a “robust debate” in the United States to win over skeptics of the framework agreement.
"As President and Commander in Chief, I firmly believe that the diplomatic option -- a comprehensive, long-term deal like this -- is by far the best option," he said in his weekly address.
A final agreement will remove economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for certain steps Tehran will take concerning its nuclear program.
HRJ/HRJ
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