Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly admitted behind closed doors that Israel is finding it difficult to influence US President Donald Trump’s position on Iran, as Washington and Tehran
move closer to a possible agreement aimed at ending the war.
According to Israel’s Channel 13, Netanyahu raised concerns during private government discussions over what could become a major US-Iran deal. The broadcaster, citing unnamed sources, said the Israeli leader acknowledged that Israel currently has “no room for manoeuvre” when it comes to shaping Trump’s decisions on Iran.
The reported remarks came as Israel’s Security Cabinet continued meeting on Sunday evening amid growing expectations that negotiations between the US and Iran may be nearing a breakthrough.
The potential agreement could bring an end to a war that has shaken the Middle East since February and disrupted global oil markets. The war began after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, with Tehran responding through missile and drone attacks across the region.
Although a ceasefire has largely held since April 8, tensions remain high. Iran has continued to impose restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the US Navy has sought to blockade Iran’s ports.
Despite concerns over the direction of talks, Netanyahu said on Sunday that he and Trump remained aligned on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Speaking after a phone call with the US president a day earlier, Netanyahu said both leaders agreed that any final agreement with Tehran must completely remove Iran’s “nuclear threat”.
“This means dismantling Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities and removing enriched nuclear material from its territory,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“My policy, like that of President Trump, remains unchanged: Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons,” he added.
Netanyahu said the two also discussed the memorandum of understanding on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. “The partnership between our two nations has been proven on the battlefield, and it has never been stronger,” the Israeli leader said, adding that Trump had reaffirmed his support for Israel’s right to defend itself against threats on all fronts, “including in Lebanon”.
(With inputs from agencies)
