Riyadh (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) – 21 January
2026 – Steve Witkoff, United States Special Envoy for the Middle East, told
Arab News that negotiations with Iran represent a necessary diplomatic pathway
forward. The statement came during an interview conducted on the sidelines of
regional security discussions in the Gulf. Witkoff emphasised the importance of
direct engagement to address nuclear programme concerns, regional stability and
bilateral tensions.
Witkoff’s remarks represent the first public indication from
senior Trump administration officials regarding potential talks with Tehran
since the president’s inauguration. The envoy outlined conditions under which
the United States would approach negotiations, including verifiable commitments
on uranium enrichment and ballistic missile development. He stressed that
dialogue remains the preferred mechanism for resolving longstanding disputes
despite recent military exchanges in the region.
Witkoff articulates necessity of Iran diplomatic
engagement
Credit: Emily J. Higgins/White House
Speaking to Arab News, Steve Witkoff declared that “negotiations with Iran have to happen” as part of broader efforts to stabilise the Middle East. The special envoy, appointed by President Donald Trump to oversee regional diplomacy, described direct talks as essential to prevent escalation and address mutual security concerns. Witkoff noted previous rounds of indirect communication through third-party channels had yielded limited progress.
The interview occurred during Witkoff’s travel schedule
across Gulf Cooperation Council capitals, where he met foreign ministers and
intelligence chiefs. Arab News reported Witkoff’s emphasis on Iran’s regional
activities, including support for proxy groups and interference in Yemen, Iraq
and Syria. The envoy positioned negotiations as a pragmatic response rather
than an endorsement of Tehran’s policies.
Context of Witkoff’s appointment and regional mandate
President Trump named Steve Witkoff special envoy for the
Middle East shortly after taking office in January 2025, tasking him with
coordinating diplomacy across multiple tracks. Witkoff, a real estate developer
with prior involvement in Israel–United States business channels, brings
private-sector negotiation experience to the role. His portfolio encompasses
Israeli–Palestinian dynamics, normalisation agreements and Iran policy.
Previous statements from Witkoff highlighted maximum
pressure combined with diplomatic off-ramps as the administration’s approach. Gulf
hosts during his current tour expressed support for structured talks while
insisting on firm red lines regarding territorial integrity and maritime
security. The envoy’s Arab News interview marks his most explicit call for Iran
engagement since assuming the position.
Specific conditions outlined for potential Iran talks
Witkoff specified several prerequisites during the interview
for meaningful negotiations with Iran. These include complete cessation of
uranium enrichment beyond civilian levels, enhanced International Atomic Energy
Agency monitoring and restrictions on missile technology transfers. The envoy
referenced United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 as the baseline for
discussions.
Iranian officials previously rejected similar demands, citing
sovereignty over nuclear development and regional defence capabilities. Witkoff
acknowledged these positions but maintained that compromise remains possible
through phased reciprocal steps. He cited historical precedents including the
2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action as models, albeit with modifications
reflecting current realities.
Regional reactions to Witkoff’s negotiation proposal
Credit: Reuters
Gulf Arab diplomats welcomed Witkoff’s remarks as a signal of diplomatic intent amid heightened tensions. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan described the approach as balanced during a joint press appearance. United Arab Emirates leadership echoed support for talks that yield concrete security guarantees against Iranian maritime aggression.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a
statement reaffirming coordination with Washington on Iran policy. Jerusalem
maintains that any agreement must dismantle enrichment infrastructure entirely
and extend sunset clauses indefinitely. European Union foreign policy
representatives noted alignment with United States positions while urging
multilateral format inclusion.
Background of recent United States–Iran military
exchanges
Witkoff’s interview follows retaliatory strikes between
United States forces and Iran-aligned groups in Iraq and Syria during late
2025. American officials attributed over 200 attacks on bases hosting coalition
troops to Kata’ib Hezbollah and affiliated militias. Iran denied direct command
while condemning United States presence as provocative.
Diplomatic channels remained open through Muscat and Baghdad
throughout the exchanges, preventing wider escalation. Witkoff credited these
contacts with maintaining deconfliction lines despite public rhetoric. His
remarks suggest the Trump administration views military pressure as a
complement to negotiation preparation rather than an alternative.
Trump administration’s broader Middle East strategy
The Witkoff interview aligns with President Trump’s
articulated maximum pressure campaign featuring sanctions, military deterrence
and alliance-building. Administration officials describe Iran negotiations as
one component of comprehensive regional realignment. Successful Abraham Accords
expansion remains a parallel priority alongside economic cooperation with Gulf
partners.
Witkoff referenced potential incentives including sanctions
relief tied to compliance verification and regional economic integration. The
envoy highlighted private-sector investment opportunities as leverage, drawing
on his business background. Gulf states expressed interest in infrastructure
projects linking their markets to Israel and South Asia.
Iranian government positions on direct negotiations
Tehran maintains that direct talks with the United States
require prior lifting of all sanctions imposed since 2018 withdrawal from the
nuclear deal. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei authorised limited indirect
exchanges previously but rejected face-to-face diplomacy without guarantees.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described Witkoff’s statement as
“psychological operations” in domestic media.
Parliamentary hardliners introduced legislation barring
negotiations under current conditions, reflecting internal debates. President
Masoud Pezeshkian advocated pragmatic engagement during United Nations General
Assembly remarks, creating space for executive manoeuvring. Military commanders
reiterated deterrence readiness regardless of diplomatic developments.
Gulf Cooperation Council coordination on Iran policy
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates positioned
themselves as essential partners in any negotiation framework during Witkoff’s
consultations. Riyadh seeks explicit commitments addressing Yemen ceasefire
implementation and border security enhancements. Abu Dhabi prioritises Hormuz
Strait navigation freedoms and archipelago sovereignty.
Qatar and Oman continue facilitating messages between
Washington and Tehran, leveraging longstanding mediation roles. Kuwaiti
leadership emphasised multilateral security architecture incorporating Gulf
states directly. Witkoff affirmed coordination mechanisms established through
prior Trump-era summits.
International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring role
Witkoff highlighted enhanced IAEA access as non-negotiable
for credible negotiations. Agency Director General Rafael Grossi reported
restricted inspector movement and unanswered safeguards questions in recent
statements. Iran deactivated monitoring cameras at key sites, prompting censure
motions in Vienna.
The envoy called for restoration of full verification regime
as confidence-building measure preceding talks. European troika nations aligned
with this position, threatening snapback sanctions mechanism activation.
Russian and Chinese representatives advocated patience while criticising
unilateral pressures.
Previous rounds of indirect United States–Iran diplomacy
Negotiations hosted in Vienna during 2021–2022 produced
draft parameters before collapsing over mutual recriminations. Subsequent
Oman-mediated contacts addressed nuclear restraint for sanctions pause without
resolution. Baghdad proximity talks in 2023 clarified red lines but yielded no
agreements.
Witkoff described these efforts as foundational despite imperfections,
advocating direct format for efficiency. Administration diplomats engaged
European and regional partners to prevent unilateral Iranian advances during
preparation phases. Gulf intelligence sharing informed United States
assessments of Tehran’s strategic calculations.
Economic dimensions of potential negotiation outcomes
Credit: futureuae.com
Witkoff outlined sanctions relief calibrated to compliance milestones, targeting oil exports and banking access initially. Gulf states expressed readiness to host investment conferences showcasing post-agreement opportunities. Iran projected $100 billion annual revenue gains from full sanctions removal according to central bank estimates.
United States Treasury officials prepared technical
frameworks linking relief to verifiable metrics. European banks awaited clarity
on secondary sanctions risks before committing financing. Regional commodity
exchanges anticipated price stabilisations from reduced geopolitical premiums.