Netanyahu Admits Limited Influence over Trump on Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has privately acknowledged that Israel has limited ability to influence President Donald Trump's decision-making on Iran, according to Reuters sources. The remarks come as the two sides negotiate a deal that could halt the nearly three-month-old conflict.

The United States and Iran are negotiating indirectly through Pakistani mediation. The draft memorandum envisages the opening of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade, after which negotiations on Iran's nuclear program would resume.

Netanyahu, according to the sources, is insisting that Israel retain the right to intervene against threats, including those emanating from Lebanon. Such a condition could, however, complicate negotiations.

Trump and Netanyahu have spoken by phone at least three times in the past week. After one of the calls, Trump said: "He's a very good man, he'll do whatever I want him to do."

After the most recent call, Netanyahu said any final deal must include the dismantling of Iran's uranium enrichment facilities and the removal of enriched material from the country.

(reuters, bak)