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Trump Claims Control Over Netanyahu, Israel Barred From Iran Talks

5/26/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump told reporters Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will “do whatever I want him to do,” while Israel is excluded from U.S.–Iran talks.
Both leaders said any final deal must dismantle Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites and remove its enriched material, even though Israel was not at the table.
May 25 polls show Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the Iran war and U.S. support for Israel, with Republican backing slipping.

History

Historical Context

The Iran nuclear dispute began in 2002 when undeclared facilities were revealed, prompting IAEA referrals and UN sanctions in 2006. Secret talks led to the 2013 Geneva interim pact and the July 14 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which capped enrichment at 3.67% and reduced uranium stockpiles to 300 kg. Trump’s 2024 remark to Netanyahu revives the earlier Israeli exclusion controversy.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump told reporters Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will “do whatever I want him to do,” while Israel is excluded from U.S.–Iran talks.
Both leaders said any final deal must dismantle Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites and remove its enriched material, even though Israel was not at the table.
May 25 polls show Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the Iran war and U.S. support for Israel, with Republican backing slipping.

1 / 2