Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told a delegation of United States senators during talks Monday that Israel's desire to reach a peace agreement with Syria has been hampered by Damacus' support of extremist elements.

He said the current Syrian government is Iran's strongest ally and is aiding extremists in Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian Authority.

Olmert met with a delegation of senior U.S. senators headed by presidential hopeful John McCain and Joe Lieberman, and including Susan Collins, John Thune and U.S. Representative Mark Kirk.

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The senators said they oppose dialogue with the Syrian government under the leadership of Bashar Assad. They also agreed with Olmert on the need for condemnation of Iran, which has openly called for Israel's destruction and is working to develop nuclear capability.

Olmert called for sanctions on Iran and praised U.S. efforts toward preventing Iran from achieving nuclear weapons capabilities.

During the meeting, the senators briefed Olmert on their recent visits to Afghanistan and Iraq. They also said that the Baker-Hamilton report, which urges increased U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East, had garnered broad political discussion but would not necessarily become U.S. policy.

The prime minister also said that while progress has been slow in advancing dialogue with the PA, he plans to meet with PA Chairman Abbas. He also said that Israel has honored the cease-fire with Palestinian in the Gaza Strip.