Netanyahu's Phone Conversation with Trump on 'Threats' Posed by Iran in the Middle East

The office of the Prime Minister of Israel states that Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump, the President of the United States, had a lengthy phone conversation regarding the 'strategic threats' arising from Iran's actions. This phone call coincides with Netanyahu's recent remarks about the 'security problems' stemming from the Islamic Republic. In a statement from March 7, the Israeli Prime Minister's office said, 'The leaders of the two countries had a long discussion about the dangers posed by the nuclear agreement and Iran's violence in the region, and the necessity of cooperation to confront these threats.' Netanyahu's reference is to the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers that was finalized last July, which both limited Iran's nuclear program and lifted related sanctions. The Israeli Prime Minister has continuously criticized this agreement, which was formed during Barack Obama's administration, calling it a 'historical mistake.' Donald Trump has also consistently criticized the negotiations and the resulting agreement, describing it as 'one of the worst deals he has seen.' Critics of the JCPOA argue that this agreement does not prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Tehran has consistently stated, both before and after the negotiations, that it does not intend to produce nuclear weapons. The latest conversation between the Israeli Prime Minister and the U.S. President comes shortly after Netanyahu once again targeted Tehran with criticism, stating, 'Iran has not abandoned its nuclear program, continues to develop ballistic missiles, and its belligerent nature threatens regional stability in the Middle East.' The Israeli Prime Minister had previously described Tehran as the cause of '80 percent of his country's security problems.' Iran does not recognize Israel as a country. Its senior officials, including the Supreme Leader, have repeatedly described Israel as an 'illegitimate' and 'fake regime.' Ayatollah Khamenei has stated that Israel will be 'wiped off the pages of history.' Several other predominantly Muslim countries also do not have diplomatic relations with Israel. However, it seems that some of them have formed a convergence with Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Israeli Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Russia soon. Netanyahu will meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow next Thursday. He has stated that the purpose of this meeting is to discuss Israel's 'firm and clear position' against the 'permanent presence and influence' of Iranian military forces in Syria. Russia and Iran are among the main supporters of Bashar al-Assad, and over the years, political and military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow has significantly increased.