Trump speaks to Israel’s Netanyahu about Iran deal, Washington shooting

WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump had a “productive discussion” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on May 22 about Iran and the shooting of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington, the White House said.

Mr Trump and Mr Netanyahu have appeared increasingly at odds over Iran’s nuclear programme, with

Washington pursuing talks with Tehran

for a deal while Israel appears focused on a military option.

“They discussed many things, including the, of course, the tragic shooting that took place here in Washington, DC, last night,” US press secretary Karoline Leavitt told a briefing.

The two Israeli embassy staff were

shot dead as they left an event at a Jewish museum in the US capital

by a gunman who shouted, “Free Palestine” as he was arrested, sparking new international tensions over anti-Semitism.

“But they also did talk about a potential deal with Iran, which the President believes is moving along in the right direction,” added Ms Leavitt.

Iran and the US are due to hold a fresh round of talks in Rome later this week.

Ms Leavitt said Mr Trump believed that “this deal with Iran could end in two ways”. “It could end in a very positive diplomatic solution, or it could end in a very negative situation for Iran.” AFP