Israel Anxious Potential Trump-Iran Deal Could Include Unwanted Concessions - CNN

By TZVI JASPER

MAY 13, 2026 16:42

Israeli officials have expressed deep concerns to CNN that US President Donald Trump might strike a flawed agreement with Iran, prompting efforts to shape the ongoing talks around critical priorities.

"The main worry is that Trump will lose patience with negotiations and accept any deal - any deal - with last-minute concessions," one source explained.

Trump and Israel share a firm commitment to blocking Iran's path to a nuclear weapon. However, secondary issues like Tehran's ballistic missile program and its network of regional proxies appear sidelined in the current US-Iran discussions. According to one insider, these topics are "likely off the table" and absent from initial diplomatic proposals.

Officials fear that an incomplete pact - one Israel might see as leaving the conflict unresolved - could allow Iran's government to regain footing by easing economic sanctions and pressures.

"We are closely monitoring developments," a senior official assured CNN. "We would welcome no agreement at all, sustained pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, or even additional blows against Iran."

The US and Israel continue close collaboration against Iran, sources noted, including preparations for strikes on energy sites, key infrastructure, and leadership targets should the negotiations collapse.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu harbors limited confidence in Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, preferring direct lines to the president himself, according to reports.

Potential Iran Deal Could Feature Sunset Clause on Nuclear Limits

Negotiations have floated a "sunset clause" that would let some restrictions lapse after a set timeframe, potentially freeing Iran to resume certain nuclear activities. Israel is advocating two countermeasures: a total ban on uranium enrichment through that period and requirements to dismantle the Fordow plant and Pickaxe Mountain facility, sites linked to suspected nuclear advances.

White House spokesperson Olivia Wales informed CNN that Trump "holds all the cards" in these talks, emphasizing Iran's untenable position.

"Their ballistic missiles lie in ruins, production sites demolished, navy sunk, and proxies crippled," she said. "Operation Economic Fury now chokes them financially, costing $500 million daily via the US military's effective port blockade."