Donald Trump is set to task his envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, with allaying Washington’s concerns about Iran, indicating that the US President is willing to try diplomacy before increasing pressure on Tehran regarding its nuclear program, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Witkoff, a real estate investor who played a key role in securing the Gaza Strip ceasefire, is to lead the efforts to resolve the nuclear conflict with Iran – as part of a broader mission by the President to end the “wars”in the region.
During the transition to his new administration, Trump’s team has developed possible measures to revive his campaign of “maximum pressure”on Iran through new sanctions or stricter monitoring of existing measures.
However, Trump and his advisors have in initial talks indicated a willingness to consider a diplomatic path to avoid a larger confrontation with Iran. Trump said on Thursday afternoon that he would aim for an agreement with Iran. When asked if he would support Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, he replied, “It would be really great if that could be done without the need for further action.”He added, “Iran will hopefully make an agreement.”
The exact contours of Trump’s approach to Tehran and Witkoff’s responsibilities are still unclear. Some of the latest appointments by the President, however, have strengthened a faction within the administration that considers negotiations with Iran and is skeptical of a strike against the Iranian nuclear program.
Witkoff’s potential responsibility for Iran questions has alarmed some Iran hawks in Congress and elsewhere in Washington, who fear that he may ease the pressure on Iran too quickly in the search for a possible agreement.
“He’s already letting up on Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran and leaving American hostages behind and putting Israel at risk”said a senior Republican congressional staffer, referring to Witkoff.