Washington, D.C. — Concerns are rising within the Trump administration regarding the capabilities of Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East. Insiders express doubts about his ability to effectively handle complex situations involving Iran, Hamas, and Russia, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty about U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region.
One unnamed source from Trump’s first administration characterized Witkoff as a well-meaning individual but ill-equipped for the role, questioning his solitary approach to negotiations. This criticism points to broader anxieties among officials about how Witkoff may be navigating high-stakes discussions, especially following his remarks in a recent Fox News interview in which he mistakenly believed the U.S. had successfully reached an extension on a hostage deal.
Shiri Fein-Grossman, a former top official with the Israel National Security Council, emphasized the necessity of understanding adversaries like Hamas and Iran through their ideological motivations rather than conventional diplomatic frameworks. “His belief that these groups can be reasoned with underscores a serious misjudgment of their foundational goals,” she warned.
Additionally, Israeli security expert Danny Citrinowicz raised concerns about Witkoff’s overwhelming responsibilities. He noted the complexity of negotiating with both Iran and Hamas simultaneously could hinder progress. “The Iran issue is inherently complicated,” Citrinowicz remarked, hoping that Witkoff is adequately supported by a capable team to address these challenges effectively.
As tensions remain high, Iran and the U.S. are set to resume nuclear discussions next week, with both parties acknowledging the difficulties ahead. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed caution, reflecting skepticism about the potential for a breakthrough in the ongoing negotiations.
President Trump remains optimistic regarding the possibility of forging a new agreement to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear ambitions. The ongoing discussions, which recently took place in Muscat mediated by Omani officials, have been characterized as constructive, despite varying degrees of optimism from both sides.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated essential conditions for any potential agreement with Iran, including a complete halt to uranium enrichment and the procurement of enriched uranium only for civilian energy needs. In contrast, former National Security Advisor John Bolton was more critical, stating that Witkoff’s negotiations are fundamentally flawed and unlikely to yield meaningful results.
Bolton asserted that Iran’s strategy primarily aims to alleviate economic sanctions while reestablishing its military capabilities. His remarks illustrate a stark divide in perceptions about the effectiveness of the current diplomatic approach under Witkoff, signaling a pressing need for a more robust strategy in U.S.-Iran relations.
As these negotiations unfold, the challenges facing Witkoff point to the complex landscape of Middle Eastern politics and the delicate balancing act required of U.S. diplomacy in the region.