{O/C} U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid met today as they laid their partly differing cards on the table about Iran's nuclear ambitions.
This, as the White House announced somewhat tepid measures to improve Palestinians' lives after the the flare-up in tensions last year.
{Take SOT}
After a year of putting the aspiring nuclear power in the Middle East on the back burner, U.S. President Joe Biden and the Israeli Prime Minister held a bilateral meeting to discuss Iran's nuclear programme.
Despite hinting at resuming talks, a dovish Biden told Tehran his patience was exhaustible.
{Soundbite}
JOE BIDEN, United States President:
We're waiting for their response. When that will come, I'm not certain. But we're not going to wait forever.
We will not, let me say it again, we will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.
I continue to believe that diplomacy is the best way to achieve this outcome.
{VO}
While Biden is keeping his powder dry for now, Yair Lapid begged to differ, insisting on upsetting the Iranian applecart.
{Soundbite}
YAIR LAPID, Israeli Prime Minister:
Words will not stop them, Mr. President. Diplomacy will not stop them. The only thing that will stop Iran is knowing that if they continue to develop their nuclear programme the free world will use force.
{VO}
Still, both leaders said they were in agreement.
But that's already enraged Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who said the U.S. and its allies' bellicose rhetoric had fermented a hornets nest in the region.
Meantime, Biden has become a mediator in thawing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Saudi Arabia has reopened its airspace to all air carriers, ending its long-held ban on Israeli flights crossing its territory.
Biden is due to sign off on 316 million US dollars in financial assistance to the Palestinians, about a third of which will entail congressional approval.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet with Biden later today in the hopes of forging peace and restoring communications downed by last year's deadly war.
{Soundbite}
We'll also continue to work towards a lasting, negotiated peace between the State of Israel and the Palestinian people.
And the best way to achieve that remains a two-state solution for two people living side by side in peace and security.
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