Israel will 'make its own judgment' on Iran talks, US says

Ukraine has not affected negotiations in New York, according to senior official.

US President Barack Obama boards Marine One.. (photo credit:THE WHITE HOUSE)

NEW YORK -- Israel will judge for itself the outcome of talks between Iran and world powers over its nuclear program, a senior US official said on Thursday, expressing cautious optimism after two days of bilateral talks with the Islamic Republic.

US officials traveled to New York "not optimistic" over the prospects of progress with Iran, the official said, adding that now, it is "clear that everyone has come here to go to work."

US President Barack Obama is committed to a nuclear deal that ensures Israel's security, the official said, acknowledging Israeli criticism of the progress thus far made.

"At the end of the day, Israel will have to make its own judgment about an agreement, as will every other country in the world," the official added. "And I understand that, but I also believe that the President of the United States will only sign off on an agreement that he believes is good for the world’s security, including Israel."

Two months remain before a self-imposed deadline, November 24, demands the parties agree on a comprehensive deal ending international concerns with Iran's nuclear program, extend the talks or walk away.

Iranian officials in New York have said that, should a deal fail to come to pass in that time, it would have the ability to quickly expand its program beyond "red lines" set out by the Israeli government.

"Escalatory talk," the official said, is not "particularly productive."

"We each know what the other would do," the official added.