JERUSALEM, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call about security issues including Iran, Netanyahu's office said Thursday, a day after Trump threatened to increase sanctions on Tehran.

A statement released by Israeli Prime Minister's Office said the two leaders talked about "regional developments and security issues, first and foremost Iran."

Netanyahu expressed "appreciation" for Trump's intention to ratchet up nuclear-related sanctions on Iran, the office said.

The White House has confirmed the phone talk and said it was held on Wednesday.

"The two leaders discussed cooperation between the United States and Israel in advancing shared national security interests, including efforts to prevent Iran's malign actions in the region," Judd Deere, White House spokesman, told journalists on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Trump repeated his threat to increase sanctions on Tehran.

"Iran has long been secretly 'enriching' in total violation of the terrible 150-billion-U.S.-dollar deal made by John Kerry and the Obama administration," Trump tweeted.

"Remember, that deal was to expire in a short number of years. Sanctions will soon be increased, substantially!" he added.

Netanyahu has been a vocal opponent of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers.