Netanyahu admits Israel has little sway over Trump on Iran talks: Report

Benjamin Netanyahu has told confidants Israel has little room to influence Donald Trump as the US negotiates with Iran.

In Short

• Proposed understanding links reopening Hormuz to lifting the US naval blockade
• Indirect talks between Washington and Tehran are being mediated by Pakistan
• Israel wants freedom to keep operating in Lebanon despite ceasefire efforts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has privately acknowledged that Israel has limited leverage over US President Donald Trump as Washington pushes ahead with negotiations with Iran aimed at ending the nearly three-month-old conflict in the region.

The comments come amid growing indications that Israel has largely been sidelined in ongoing indirect talks between the US and Iran that are focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reviving broader discussions over Tehran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and regional security arrangements.

According to the news agency Reuters, Netanyahu conveyed in private conversations that Israel “has no manoeuvre to influence the president right now”, despite the agreement not immediately addressing Israel's concerns over Iran's nuclear programme and stockpile.

According to an Israeli official, Netanyahu had also expressed reservations about a Memorandum of Understanding currently under negotiation between Washington and Tehran. The proposed framework reportedly includes Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its naval blockade, followed by further talks on Tehran’s nuclear activities.

Reports suggest that both countries are nearing a closure of the deal that could establish lasting peace in the Middle East, a conflict that has rattled the world since February 28.

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