Netanyahu says Israel has little sway over Trump on Iran talks

WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told confidants in private discussions that Israel currently has limited ability to shape US President Donald Trump's decisions on Iran, according to two Israeli officials cited by Reuters.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were describing private conversations, said Netanyahu's remarks came as Israel has been largely excluded from negotiations aimed at securing an initial agreement to stop a war that began nearly three months ago with joint US-Israeli bombardment.

Both Washington and Tehran have downplayed expectations of an immediate breakthrough. The two sides remain divided over Iran's nuclear programme, Tehran's demand for sanctions relief, and Israel's war in Lebanon against Hezbollah.

One of the Israeli officials said Netanyahu had also voiced concern about the memorandum of understanding now under negotiation. A senior Trump administration official said the proposed arrangement would involve Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz in return for the United States lifting its naval blockade, with additional talks on nuclear issues to follow.

Netanyahu is insisting on retaining the option to continue military action against what Israel sees as threats on multiple fronts, including Lebanon. That condition could complicate any agreement if Iran demands a full end to Israeli operations in southern Lebanon.

Iranian sources told Reuters that later phases of the process could include feasible formulas to address disagreement over Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, including diluting the material under the supervision of the UN nuclear watchdog.

Despite the fact that the proposed agreement does not immediately resolve Israel's concerns about Iran's nuclear programme and uranium stockpile, one of the Israeli officials said Netanyahu recognises that Israel "has no manoeuvre to influence the president right now," referring to Trump.