Netanyahu admits difficulty influencing Trump decisions on Iran, sources say
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed to confidants that he struggles to influence U.S. President Donald Trump's decisions regarding Iran. As negotiations continue over a potential deal to address the ongoing conflict, Israel finds itself sidelined in discussions. Netanyahu's concerns center around the implications of a memorandum of understanding that could affect Israel's military operations in Lebanon.
- ▪Netanyahu has privately admitted that Israel has little ability to influence Trump's decision-making on Iran.
- ▪The U.S. and Iran have downplayed hopes for a breakthrough in negotiations, remaining at odds over nuclear ambitions and sanctions.
- ▪Netanyahu is demanding the right to continue military operations against perceived threats, which could complicate any potential deal.
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Netanyahu admits difficulty influencing Trump decisions on Iran, sources saySign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxFILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival for meetings at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 29, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/ File PhotoPublished May 25, 2026, 06:23 PMUpdated May 25, 2026, 06:23 PMJERUSALEM, May 25 - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told confidants in private conversations that Israel has little ability to influence Donald Trump's decision-making on Iran as the U.S.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.