Trump expected to tap Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to lead Iran diplomacy, signaling diplomatic push
By isabelle // 2025-01-29
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  • President Trump is expected to appoint Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to lead U.S. diplomacy with Iran, prioritizing a nuclear deal over military action.
  • Witkoff, known for brokering the Gaza ceasefire, is seen as a pragmatic choice to balance preventing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and avoiding regional conflict.
  • Trump emphasizes diplomacy but has not ruled out military options, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution to Iran’s nuclear program.
  • European diplomats report Iran is open to resuming nuclear talks, but Tehran insists the U.S. must present a proposal first.
President Donald Trump is widely expected to assign his trusted Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to oversee U.S. diplomacy with Iran, signaling a renewed focus on negotiating a nuclear deal before considering military options. The potential move, confirmed by multiple U.S. officials and sources familiar with the matter, underscores Trump’s preference for diplomacy over confrontation with Tehran, even as tensions over Iran’s nuclear program remain high. Witkoff, a key player in brokering the recent Gaza ceasefire, is seen as a pragmatic choice to navigate the delicate balance between preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and avoiding a broader regional conflict. Trump’s decision to entrust Witkoff with Iran diplomacy would reflect a strategic shift toward exploring diplomatic solutions. While the president has not ruled out military action, he has repeatedly expressed hope that a deal can be reached to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “Hopefully, we can solve it diplomatically,” Trump said during a recent Oval Office event. “It would really be nice if that could be worked out without having to go that further step,” he added, referring to the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Witkoff’s track record as a skilled negotiator has earned him Trump’s confidence. His involvement in the Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, which Israeli and Qatari officials described as critical, demonstrates his ability to navigate complex regional dynamics. In a recent interview with Fox News, Witkoff emphasized Trump’s commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “The president will not allow a bomb to be gotten by the Iranians. Not going to happen,” Witkoff said. “Hopefully, we can solve it diplomatically.”

A delicate balancing act

The decision to place Witkoff in charge of Iran diplomacy comes as European diplomats report that Tehran is open to resuming negotiations on a new nuclear deal. During recent talks in Geneva, Iranian officials expressed a willingness to engage with the U.S. but stressed that Washington must take the first step by presenting a proposal. European diplomats, however, have urged Iran to offer more concessions on its nuclear program before talks can progress. Trump’s approach has drawn criticism from some Iran hawks in Congress and within his own administration, who fear that Witkoff’s focus on diplomacy could undermine efforts to maintain pressure on Tehran. Despite these concerns, Trump appears determined to pursue a diplomatic path. His recent appointments, including Michael DiMino, a former CIA official who has advocated restraint in dealing with Iran, suggest a growing influence of voices skeptical of military action. As Witkoff prepares to potentially take on the Iran file, the stakes are high. The Islamic Republic’s uranium enrichment activities have raised alarms, with the UN warning in December that Iran had significantly increased its stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium. Yet experts note that Iran’s enrichment levels remain below the threshold required for a nuclear weapon, and the country has consistently denied seeking one. Trump’s willingness to engage diplomatically offers a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Witkoff’s ability to navigate these complexities will be critical in determining whether the U.S. can achieve a lasting agreement with Iran—or whether the region will face the specter of renewed conflict. For now, all options remain on the table. Sources for this article include: Axios.com FT.com News.Antiwar.com
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