Analysis
'Very bad news’: Israel alarmed as Trump pushes ahead toward Iran deal
Israel fears that Iran could emerge from the war strengthened by access to its frozen financial assets and regional acceptance of its dominance over the Strait of Hormuz and potentially resume its nuclear program.
TEL AVIV — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Tuesday night with US President Donald Trump in an effort to influence a potential deal being negotiated between Washington and Iran, but Israeli officials fear he has little leverage with the White House on Iran and other strategic issues.
The advancing US-Iran negotiations are exposing a widening rift between Israel and the United States. The Israeli officials warned Al-Monitor that Netanyahu has been sidelined as Trump inches toward an accord that could reshape the region’s balance of power.
Difficult conversations
Reports emerged over the weekend of a leaked draft agreement outlining a possible deal, consisting of two phases.
