The lead editorial column in the Times this morning warns that time is running short to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which it describes as “a threat to the peace and stability of the Middle East” and a serious concern for Israel and Arab states alike. The Times and the online edition of the Guardian cover yesterday’s speech by US Vice President Joe Biden at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) policy conference in Washington, in which he warned that the United States is “not bluffing” over the threat to use military force if necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The Telegraph also covers Biden’s comments as well as a speech made over video link at the same gathering by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he warned that Iran is using negotiations with the international community as a delaying tactic in order to continue pursuing nuclear armament.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph online reports that Iranian state media has announced 3,000 new advanced centrifuges will be installed at the Natanz nuclear plant, which could speed up Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts towards weapons grade material. Although the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) already reported the installation of advanced equipment, it is the first time that a number of centrifuges have been specified. The Financial Times online says that the head of the IAEA yesterday urged Iran to allow its inspectors access to the Parchin nuclear facility.

The Telegraph online covers US Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Saudi Arabia during which he met with Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas, who reportedly arrived unexpectedly late Sunday and raised issues of settlements and Palestinian prisoners with Kerry. In his meetings with Saudi officials, Kerry reportedly discussed Iran’s nuclear development and the Syrian conflict. Writing in the Guardian, Charles Glass calls on Russia and Iran to cease arming President Assad’s forces.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail covers yesterday’s introduction of new controversial bus lines, which will stop at Palestinian West Bank communities, transporting passengers to central Israel.  Israel’s Transport Ministry says that the new routes are a response to overcrowding and tensions between Palestinian passengers and settlers, while critics have suggested that they are ‘Palestinian only’ routes, having been advertised only in Arabic in Palestinian areas. The Independent reports on the hostile reaction of some Beitar Jerusalem football supporters when the club’s first Muslim player scored for the first time during a match on Sunday. Writing in the Telegraph online, Matt Hill warns of the dangers of simplified historical narratives surrounding the Israel-Palestinian conflict.  

In the Israeli media, Maariv reports this morning that Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering implementing a package of concessions towards the Palestinians as a good-will gesture ahead of US President Obama’s visit to the region later this month. The measures would reportedly include retroactively legalising the construction of ten Palestinian neighbourhoods, the release of a number of Fatah-affiliated prisoners and handing over control to the PA of several West Bank roads. Meanwhile, Israel Radio News this morning reports that two busses belonging to the company operating controversial new bus lines in the West Bank for Palestinian workers were set on fire last night. Police suspect arson over the decision to operate the new bus routes. 

The ongoing coalition talks also feature heavily in the headlines with Netanyahu expected to try to conclude a deal with Yesh Atid and Jewish Home. Haaretz says that Netanyahu believes an agreement will be concluded within days. Makor Rishon and Israel Radio News report that Netanyahu met in secret recently with Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid, who told his faction yesterday that negotiations are far from over. Maariv suggests that there is some disagreement between Yesh Atid and Jewish Home over the ministerial portfolios that they will each request. Yediot Ahronot says that Lapid will look to be appointed foreign minister.