Media: Netanyahu says Israel has limited influence over Trump’s Iran policy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told confidants in private conversations that Israel has little ability to influence US President Donald Trump’s decision-making on Iran, as Washington continues negotiations over a potential deal linked to the ongoing conflict, according to sources.

Two Israeli officials told Reuters that Netanyahu’s remarks reflect frustration within the Israeli leadership over being largely sidelined from talks aimed at reaching an initial agreement to pause a war that began with joint US-Israeli strikes.

Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The discussions come as both the United States and Iran have downplayed expectations of an imminent breakthrough, while remaining divided over Tehran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief, and Israel’s parallel conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

According to one Israeli official involved in Netanyahu’s private conversations, the prime minister has expressed concern about a memorandum of understanding currently under negotiation. Both sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.

The emerging framework reportedly includes provisions in which Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the lifting of a US naval blockade, followed by further negotiations on nuclear issues. Talks between Washington and Tehran have been held indirectly with mediation from Pakistan.

Iranian sources cited by Reuters said that in later stages, “feasible formulas” could be considered to address Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, including possible dilution under the supervision of the UN nuclear watchdog.

Despite the fact that the agreement does not directly address Israel’s concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, Netanyahu has acknowledged internally that Israel “has no manoeuvre to influence the president right now,” according to one Israeli official.

US President Donald Trump has spoken with Netanyahu multiple times in recent days, including at least three phone calls within a week, during which officials said Israel had been preparing for the possibility of renewed joint air operations targeting Iranian energy infrastructure.

After one of the calls, Trump told reporters when asked about Netanyahu: “He's a very good man, he'll do whatever I want him to do,”

The two leaders also spoke again on May 22 and May 23, including after Trump held a joint call with Gulf, Turkish, and Pakistani leaders to update them on the status of negotiations.

By Sabina Mammadli