Pompeo speaks with Netanyahu for third time this week

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the third time this week.

"Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke today to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the situation in Iraq as well as Iran’s continued provocations and threats to the region," US spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement on Saturday.

"The Secretary underscored the Trump Administration’s resolve in protecting American interests, personnel, facilities and partners."

Pompeo Netanyahu (AFP/Reuters) — Pompeo has called Netanyahu on 30 December, 1 January and 4 January (AFP/Reuters)

Pompeo had phoned Netanyahu on Monday after US air strikes on Iran-linked paramilitary fighters in Iraq.

America's chief diplomat also spoke to the Israeli leader on Wednesday after Iraqi protesters attempted to storm the American embassy in Baghdad in response to the US attack.

"Secretary Pompeo thanked Prime Minister Netanyahu for Israel’s unwavering commitment to countering Iran’s malign regional influence and its condemnation of the December 31 attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad," Ortagus said at the time.

Wednesday's call came less than 36 hours before the assassination of Iran's top general Qassem Soleimani.