Netanyahu Sees Limited Israeli Leverage Over Trump on Iran Talks, Sources Say
- May 25
- 2 min read
PARIS, May 25 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has privately acknowledged that Israel has limited ability to influence U.S. President Donald Trump’s decisions on Iran as Washington negotiates a deal to halt the nearly three-month-old war, two Israeli officials familiar with the conversations said.
The remarks come as Israel has been largely sidelined from negotiations aimed at reaching an initial agreement to stop the conflict, which began with joint U.S.-Israeli bombardment.
The United States and Iran have both played down expectations of an imminent breakthrough. The sides remain divided over Iran’s nuclear programme, Tehran’s demands for sanctions relief and Israel’s military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah.
Netanyahu is seeking the right to continue operations against perceived threats on multiple fronts, including Lebanon. That position could complicate a deal if Iran insists on a full halt to Israeli military action in southern Lebanon.
One Israeli official familiar with Netanyahu’s private discussions said the Israeli leader had expressed concern over a memorandum of understanding currently under negotiation.
The proposed agreement would see Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States lifting its naval blockade, followed by further negotiations on nuclear issues, according to a senior Trump administration official.
The United States and Iran have been holding indirect talks mediated by Pakistan.
Iranian sources said later stages of negotiations could include possible formulas to address Tehran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, including dilution under supervision by the U.N. nuclear watchdog.
Despite concerns that the initial agreement would not directly address Israel’s position on Iran’s nuclear programme and uranium stockpile, Netanyahu recognises that Israel “has no manoeuvre to influence the president right now,” one Israeli official said.
