Netanyahu says Israel fully coordinated with US on Iran, prepared for 'any scenario'

TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed reports that Israel was caught off guard by Washington's diplomatic moves toward Iran, saying that he is in near-daily contact with US President Donald Trump to ensure full coordination.

"We are in continuous contact with our friends in the United States," Netanyahu said on Wednesday (local time). "I speak with President Trump on an almost daily basis. My people and his people speak daily, including today," he said.

He added that he has a planned phone call with Trump again later tonight.

Israel is "ready for all scenarios" in dealing with Iran, Netanyahu said, adding that Israel and the United States share the same goals, "with the most important goal being the removal of enriched material from Iran."

Israeli officials have voiced support for renewing attacks on Iran, claiming its nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile stockpiles remain a concern, reports Xinhua news agency.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump issued a fresh ultimatum, telling Iran to accept a deal to end the war or face a new wave of bombing "at a much higher level and intensity than it was before."

Trump has said that Washington had made progress in talks with Iran and suggested a possible agreement could emerge soon, while insisting that Tehran “cannot have a nuclear weapon”.