Obama, Netanyahu confer on Iran agreement

President Barack Obama called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to discuss the P5+1's "first-step agreement" with Iran on the latter's nuclear program, the White House announced. The two leaders "reaffirmed their shared goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon," the announcement said. Obama noted that the Permanent 5 members of the UN Security Council plus Germany "will use the months ahead to pursue a lasting, peaceful and comprehensive solution that would resolve the international community's concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program," the statement said. "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," it said. Obama "underscored that the United States will remain firm in our commitment to Israel, which has good reason to be skeptical about Iran's intentions," the White House said. "The President and Prime Minister agreed to stay in close contact on this issue as the P5+1 and Iran negotiate a long-term solution over the next six months." Source: KUNA