Netanyahu Heads To US For 'Crucial Mission'

Sky News

Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to the United States where he will argue against a potential international deal over Iran's nuclear programme.

Israel's prime minister is due to address Congress on Tuesday in a speech aimed at halting the possible agreement.

He said it was an "historic" quest to stop the deal - but the Washington address has caused an uproar, exposing tensions between Israel and its most important ally, America.

The speech was set up by congressional Republicans but the White House was said to be infuriated because it was not consulted in advance of the invite, violating typical protocol.

It left Democrats being forced to choose between showing support for Israel and backing their president.

Mr Netanyahu plans to express his disapproval over a potential deal between Iran and world powers.

Officials have described the US, Europe, Russia and China as considering a compromise that would see Iran's nuclear activities severely curtailed for at least a decade, with economic penalties eased in the final years of a deal.

But Mr Netanyahu said the possible agreement falls short of preventing Tehran from having the ability to make an atomic bomb. A preliminary deadline is late this month.

Tehran claims its nuclear programme is purely for peaceful, energy purposes.

The Israeli prime minister called the trip a "crucial and even historic mission", telling reporters: "I feel deep and genuine concern for the security of all the people of Israel.

"I will do everything in my ability to secure our future."

US Secretary of State John Kerry has tried to calm tensions with Israel, saying Mr Netanyahu was welcome to speak in the US and that the administration did not want the event "turned into some great political football".

But he insisted the Obama administration's diplomatic record with Iran entitles the US to "the benefit of the doubt" as negotiators work toward a long-term nuclear deal.

Mr Kerry was speaking before he left for more talks in Switzerland with Iran's foreign minister.