Trump assigns Steve Witkoff to lead Iran diplomacy efforts

US President Donald Trump will assign his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to address Washington’s concerns regarding Iran, according to sources cited by the Financial Times (FT). The move suggests that the US president aims to “test diplomacy” before escalating pressure on Tehran.

Witkoff, a property investor who played a key role in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza, is expected to lead efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program as part of the president’s goal to “stop the wars” in the region.

In 2018, Trump withdrew the United States from the Iran nuclear deal with world powers, imposed strict sanctions, and threatened “the official end of Iran” if it pursued nuclear weapons or engaged in war with Washington.

During the transition to the new administration, Trump’s team explored potential measures to relaunch the “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, either through new sanctions or stricter enforcement of existing measures.

However, in early meetings, Trump and his aides emphasized their desire to keep a path open to avoid a broader confrontation with Iran. Some administration officials have informed foreign diplomats and colleagues that they expect Witkoff to lead efforts to determine whether a diplomatic compromise is possible.

When asked whether he would place Witkoff in charge of Iran policy, Trump responded, “He’s someone I would definitely use. He did a great job. Steve has a great style,” adding that he would attempt to negotiate a deal with Iran.

Regarding whether he would support Israel striking Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trump stated, “It would be really nice if a solution could be found without having to take that step. I hope Iran makes a deal.”

According to the Financial Times, it is unusual for a special envoy to oversee both the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Washington’s relations with Tehran.

Witkoff’s primary focus will remain the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire. As his deputy, Trump selected Morgan Ortagus, who served as State Department spokesperson during his first term and has extensive experience in the Middle East.

US officials note that the specifics of Trump’s approach to Tehran and Witkoff’s mandate have yet to be finalized. However, some of the president’s recent appointments have created a faction within the administration that is open to negotiating with Iran and skeptical of military action against its nuclear program, a stance advocated by Iranian hawks in both the US and Israeli governments.

Trump’s new top Middle East official at the Pentagon, Michael DiMino, is a former CIA official who has advocated for moderation in dealing with Tehran at a think tank funded by the libertarian Koch family.

Elbridge Colby, Trump’s nominee for assistant secretary of defense for policy, has cautioned against any military action against Iran.

Other members of Trump’s foreign policy team, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have adopted a more hawkish approach.

During his congressional confirmation hearing, Rubio stated that he supports “any arrangement that allows us to have security and stability in the region, but with our eyes open.”

Western officials believe Iran is at its weakest point in decades, as Israel’s multi-front war in the Middle East has significantly weakened Hamas and Hezbollah.

Israel and the United States claimed last year that a retaliatory strike against Iran had disabled most of its air defense systems, though Tehran denied these claims.

The prospect of Witkoff taking over the Iran dossier has raised concerns among some “Iran hawks” in Congress and Washington, who fear he may hastily reduce pressure on Iran in pursuit of a potential deal.

“He’s already taking pressure off Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, and in the process, abandoning American hostages and jeopardizing Israel,” said a senior Republican congressional staffer. “He keeps saying he knows what Trump wants, but he doesn’t understand what Trump believes,” the staffer added.