CIA chief Burns, Israel's Bennett meet to discuss Iran

CIA Director William Burns and Israeli Prime Naftali Bennett met in Tel Aviv on Wednesday to discuss Iran amid increased tensions over the faltering nuclear deal talks and a series of maritime incidents blamed on the Islamic Republic. 

“They discussed the situation in the Middle East, with emphasis on Iran, and possibilities for expanding and deepening regional cooperation,” Bennett’s office said in a statement. 

Burns also met with incoming national security adviser Eyal Hulata, Mossad chief David Barnea and other military and intelligence officials. During his trip to the region, Burns is also expected hold talks with Palestinian Authority officials in Ramallah, including President Mahmoud Abbas and Palestinian intelligence chief Majed Faraj. 

Burns’ three-day visit comes as the Biden administration is working to revive the landmark nuclear deal that President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018. Israel opposes the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which offered Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Since the United States withdrew from the deal, Iran has enriched uranium beyond what's allowed under the JCPOA. Last week, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz warned Iran was potentially 10 weeks away from acquiring the amount of enriched uranium needed to build a nuclear bomb.