Obama And Netanyahu Discuss Iran, Regional Issues

U.S. President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greet each other during a joint press conference at the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem in March.

U.S. President Barack Obama has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Iran's nuclear program, Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, and other Mideast issues.

The White House said the two leaders spoke by phone on October 28.

The phone call comes as the United States tries to ease Israeli concerns about diplomatic gestures from Iran.

Iran wants an easing of crippling international sanctions in exchange for concessions on its nuclear program, but Israel is pressing Obama to keep sanctions in place.

Netanyahu is also facing opposition at home over plans to release Palestinian prisoners as part of an agreement that restarted long-stalled peace talks with the Palestinians.

Secretary of State John Kerry and the U.S. brokered that agreement.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP