Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly told close associates that Israel’s ability to influence US President Donald Trump on policy toward Iran is limited, as Washington pushes forward with negotiations aimed at ending the broader conflict in the Middle East.

According to two Israeli officials cited by Reuters, Israel has largely been excluded from the initial talks shaping a potential deal, even though the war began following joint US–Israeli strikes about three months ago.

The United States and Iran have both lowered expectations for a rapid breakthrough. Major disputes remain over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah.

Netanyahu is insisting that Israel retain the freedom to conduct military operations against perceived threats on all fronts, including Lebanon. That demand could jeopardize any agreement if Iran insists on a complete halt to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.

According to one Israeli official involved in private discussions, Netanyahu has also expressed concern about the emerging memorandum of understanding. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks.

Under the reported framework, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the lifting of a US naval blockade, followed by further negotiations on its nuclear program. US and Iranian officials are holding indirect talks, with mediation reportedly involving Pakistan.

Iranian sources told Reuters that “realistic formulas” could eventually address the issue of highly enriched uranium stockpiles, including dilution under supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. However, the emerging deal does not directly address Israel’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Despite this, the Israeli official said Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel currently has “no room for maneuver” in influencing the US president’s position.

Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Separately, Trump and Netanyahu have spoken by phone at least three times in the past week. Israeli officials said this period coincided with preparations for a possible resumption of coordinated US–Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure.

After their first call on Tuesday night, reporters asked Trump about his message to Netanyahu. He replied, “He’s a very nice man, he will do whatever I tell him to do.”

The two leaders spoke again on Friday evening. On Saturday, after Trump held a joint call with leaders from Gulf countries, Turkey, and Pakistan to discuss progress in negotiations with Iran, he held a third conversation with Netanyahu.

Following that call, Netanyahu—who had not previously commented publicly on the emerging agreement—said in a statement that he and Trump discussed a memorandum of understanding regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and upcoming negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Netanyahu also stated that they agreed any final deal must involve dismantling Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities and removing enriched material from its territory. He added that Trump reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself against threats on all fronts, including Lebanon.

Meanwhile, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continue despite an April 16 ceasefire that followed broader US–Iran diplomatic efforts. Israeli forces remain deployed in parts of southern Lebanon, while airstrikes against Hezbollah targets continue. Hezbollah has also maintained drone attacks on Israeli positions and towns in northern Israel.

The unfolding negotiations come at a politically sensitive moment for Netanyahu, ahead of national elections in which polls suggest he could face defeat. His opponents accuse him of failing to achieve his stated wartime objectives.