the Obama administration is working to reassure Israeli officials there will be no easing of sanctions on Tehran unless it first takes tangible steps to limit its nuclear programme, US and diplomatic sources said.
Private discussions taking place in Washington and tel aviv to calm Israelis’ fears.
The outreach to close US ally Israel comes as Rohani prepares to travel to New York to deliver his first speech at the U.N.
In public comments, Obama and his aides have been cautious not to embrace Rohani without reservations. But they have made clear that they are ready to test his intentions to seek a diplomatic solution to Iran’s long-running nuclear dispute with the West.
“We’re going to make judgments based on the actions of the Iranian government, not simply their words,” White House deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes told reporters on Friday, previewing the speech Obama will deliver before the UN General Assembly