Barack Obama used his visit to Israel on Wednesday to send a clear signal that he shared the country’s deep concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, and remained committed to the traditionally close ties between the US and the Jewish state.

“Iranians need to understand that whether it is the Bush administration or the Obama administration, this is a paramount concern to the United States,” Mr Obama said. “A nuclear Iran would pose a grave threat and the world must prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.”