Steve Witkoff has said that Donald Trump is questioning why Iran has not moved closer to a nuclear agreement despite U.S. military pressure aimed at compelling negotiations.
His remarks came as the United States and Iran resumed Oman-mediated talks in Geneva this week, seeking to prevent the escalation of potential military confrontation following Washington’s deployment of two aircraft carriers, combat jets and additional weaponry to the region.
Speaking in a Fox News interview with Lara Trump, Witkoff said the U.S. president was not necessarily “frustrated” but was curious about Iran’s response to mounting pressure.
“I don’t want to use the word ‘frustrated’ because he understands he has many alternatives, but he is curious why they haven’t… I don’t want to use the word ‘capitulated,’ but why haven’t they?” Witkoff said.
He added that under the current military and diplomatic pressure — including significant U.S. naval presence in the region — Washington expected Iran to present concrete proposals if it genuinely did not intend to pursue nuclear weapons.
The envoy also confirmed that he had met with Reza Pahlavi at the direction of Trump, though he declined to provide further details about the discussion.
Pahlavi, who has lived in exile since before the 1979 revolution, has publicly stated his intention to support a transition toward a secular democratic future in Iran after Trump suggested that regime change could be beneficial for the country.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that a draft proposal for a potential agreement with Washington could be prepared within days.
Trump has reportedly given Iran up to 15 days to reach an understanding on nuclear concerns, particularly those linked to its enrichment programme.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has insisted that Trump would ultimately fail in efforts to undermine the Islamic Republic.
While Western governments accuse Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability, Iranian authorities maintain that their enrichment activities are intended solely for civilian energy and research purposes, while also seeking relief from crippling international sanctions that have weighed heavily on the country’s economy and contributed to domestic unrest.
