Biden says he hopes to meet Israel's new prime minister soon

Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch, US president says

US President Joe Biden meets Israel's President Reuven Rivlin at the White House in Washington. Reuters

US President Joe Biden, in a meeting on Monday with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, said his commitment to Israel was "iron-clad" and he looked forward to meeting new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett soon.

Mr Biden, in his first meeting as president with a top Israeli official, also said Iran would not come to possess a nuclear weapon under his watch.

“My commitment to Israel is ... iron-clad,” Mr Biden told Mr Rivlin at the start of their meeting in the Oval Office.

He said the two officials would discuss a range of topics, including Iran.

“What I can say to you is that Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch," Mr Biden said.

The US president also underscored his support for Israel's agreement to normalise relations with other countries in the Middle East, and said Israel was making headway in Africa as well.

Mr Rivlin leaves office on July 7.