Bush briefs Olmert on Iran
(VIDEO) Following US declaration on its willingness to hold direct negotiations with Tehran under certain conditions, American president calls prime minister to update him on developments; earlier, Bush states it is important to solve Iranian issue diplomatically
VIDEO - US President George W. Bush called Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Wednesday evening to discuss the recent developments in the Iranian issue. The two officials agreed to stay in touch in light of the American declaration that the United States is prepared to hold direct negotiations with Iran under certain conditions.
Video: Reuters
Last week, during Olmert's visit to the White House, the two officials broadly discussed the Iranian issue. In the discussions it was agreed that Israel would let the US lead the international move against Iran's armament. President Bush, it turns out, briefed Olmert on his country's future moves on the issue.
Israeli officials said following the American declaration that "Israel and the United States are in full agreement and have a broad understanding over the Iranian threat."
Rice later said in her statement that "to underscore our commitment to a diplomatic solution and to enhance prospects for success, as soon as Iran fully and verifiably suspends its enrichment and reprocessing activities, the United States will come to the table."
She added that Iran has the right for a civilian nuclear program.
'There must be a united international front'
At the White House, President Bush said: "I believe that it's important that we solve this issue diplomatically, and my decision today says that the United States is going to take a leadership position in solving this issue."
The US president added, however, that Washington will hold fast to its insistence that Iran abandon its alleged efforts to create a nuclear weapon.
"Our message to the Iranians is that one, you won't have a weapon. And two, that you must verifiably suspend any programs at which point we will come to the negotiating table to work on a way forward," the president said.
"You're seeing robust diplomacy," Bush added.
The US leader added that he has conferred on the issue in recent days with the heads of several key nations, including France, Britain, Russia and Japan.
"I'm on the phone a lot talking to our folks that share the same concern I share, and saying, 'look, let's get this solved diplomatically'," said Bush. "But there must be a united international front."
Yitzhak Benhorin and News Agencies contributed to the report
