US President Obama has refused to answer phone calls from Israel’s prime minister according to Middle East media reports. In a deliberate snub, Netanyahu's calls have instead been forwarded to US Secretary of State John Kerry. A US source said Jewish American politicians have been keen to fix the situation, which has steadily been deteriorating over the past month. Attempts are being made to set up a meeting between the two world leaders at the White House. 

Obama has issued a direct warning to Congress against further sanctions on Iran.