Amid a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, President Donald Trump has expressed curiosity about Iran’s refusal to capitulate to Washington’s demands regarding its nuclear program. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff revealed the President’s perspective during a weekend interview on Fox News’ “My View with Lara Trump.”
“The President understands he has multiple strategic alternatives, but he remains genuinely curious why Tehran hasn’t moved toward capitulation under current pressure,” Witkoff stated, carefully avoiding the term “frustrated” to describe Trump’s disposition.
The administration’s demands include Iran relinquishing its stockpile of enriched uranium—which U.S. officials claim could be weaponized—ceasing support for regional militant groups, and accepting limitations on its missile development programs. Washington has intensified naval and sea power presence in the region, with Trump authorizing preparations for potential multi-week aerial assaults on Iranian targets.
Iran maintains its nuclear program serves exclusively peaceful purposes but has indicated willingness to accept certain restrictions in exchange for sanctions relief. Tehran firmly rejects connecting nuclear negotiations to other security matters, creating a diplomatic stalemate.
Witkoff raised alarms about Iran’s uranium enrichment reaching 60% fissile purity, noting the country could be “a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material.” Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that divergent views on sanctions relief continue to obstruct progress in negotiations.
In a significant development, Witkoff confirmed meeting with Reza Pahlavi—son of Iran’s deposed Shah and exiled opposition figure—at Trump’s direction. Pahlavi recently advocated for U.S. military intervention in Iran, suggesting it could prevent further bloodshed during recent anti-government protests that reportedly resulted in thousands of casualties.