JERUSALEM, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Speaking in an address to the press in Jerusalem on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran is a "threat" to the region and must stop training "terror group."
In statements following a working meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, Trump noted Iran and the Islamic State (IS) as the major threats to the Middle East.
He called on to strengthen the longtime partnership between Israel and the United States to struggle Iran and the IS.
"This moment in history calls for us to strengthen our cooperation as both Israel and America face threats like IS and other terror groups and countries like Iran, which sponsors terror and foments violence not only here but all over the world," he said.
He staged a firm stance, saying the U.S. and Israel should unanimously declare that "Iran can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, not ever, ever, and must cease its training and funding of terror groups and militias, and must cease immediately."
Shiite armed groups, reportedly backed by Iran, are fighting along President Bashar Assad's army against rebels Syria.
Trump, who arrived in Israel after visiting Saudi Arabia over the weekend, said that the stand against Iran is a common interest of Israel and major parts of the Arab world. "(This is) deep consensus in the world, including the Muslim world."
"Many (Muslim leaders) expressed their resolve to help end terrorism and the spread of radicalization. There's a growing realization among your Arab neighbors that they have common cause with you on this threat posed by Iran, and it is a threat, make no mistake about that," he said.
Later in the evening, Trump will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is a vocal opponent of the nuclear deal signed between the world powers and Iran in 2015.
Trump landed in Israel on Monday noon, kicking off his second part of Middle East visit in Israel and the West Bank. His two-day visit includes a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem on Tuesday.
