WASHINGTON, July 29, 2010 (AFP) - US and "senior" Israeli officials were to meet Thursday to discuss the crisis over Iran`s suspect nuclear program and economic sanctions meant to curb it, a senior US diplomat told lawmakers.

Robert Einhorn, the US State Department`s special adviser for nonproliferation and arms control, told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee the United States was "in close touch with the Israelis."

"As a matter of fact, this afternoon we have a meeting with the senior Israeli team to talk about Iran and to talk about sanctions," Einhorn said, without specifying the identify of the Israeli officials.

"And they are an important source of information. We cooperate on intelligence matters with lots of friendly countries around the world, but Israeli intelligence is particularly good," he added.

Asked about the meeting, US State Department spokesman Philip Crowley replied: "It appears this is a WH (White House) meeting."

White House officials did not immediately return requests for comment.

BDST: 10:12 HRS, July 30, 2010