US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu off a military strike on Iran that would set back Washington's efforts to broker a new nuclear deal.
Mr Trump's comment comes after Israel dismissed as “fake news” a report by The New York Times, which said Mr Netanyahu has been threatening to sabotage US-Iran talks by striking Tehran's nuclear enrichment sites.
A reporter asked Mr Trump if he had warned Mr Netanyahu against taking some sort of action that could disrupt the nuclear talks.
“Well, I'd like to be honest. Yes I did,” Mr Trump said, adding that he told the Israeli leader it would be an “inappropriate” measure.
“We're very close to a solution now,” Mr Trump added. “Now, that could change at any moment – it could change with a phone call but, right now, I think they [Iran] want to make a deal.”
The US and Iran have concluded five rounds of nuclear talks in Rome and Muscat since mid-April.
“I think we're we've made a lot of progress,” Mr Trump said, adding that Iran still has to agree on a “final” stages of the agreement.
Israel has long been critical of any US agreement with Iran that would allow it to continue nuclear enrichment. Iran, meanwhile, maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian officials said Tehran would consider allowing US inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to monitor the nation's atomic activity if talks with Washington succeed.
The IAEA was tasked with overseeing Iran's compliance with a nuclear deal signed in 2015. The agreement collapsed after Mr Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from it in his first term.
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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
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More from Neighbourhood Watch:
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
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Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
