JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli Cabinet minister says the best possible outcome of the U.S.-Iran showdown over the contentious nuclear deal would be for Congress to "come together around new, significant sanctions."

Israeli Minister of Regional Cooperation Tzachi Hanegbi tells Tel Aviv radio station 102 FM Friday that such a move will compel large international companies to choose between doing business with the Iranians or the Americans.

The comment came hours before President Donald Trump is expected to announce whether he will decertify the nuclear deal agreed upon by his predecessor, Barack Obama. Israel vehemently criticized the deal at the time, but has been largely quiet in the run-up to Trump's announcement.