"US special envoy Steve Witkoff, speaking on behalf of the Trump administration, said the US isn't negotiating with Iran now, although "we've had contact with them." Speaking in an interview with CNBC on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Witkoff said that "Iran is a deal that ought to happen." When pressed on details, he avoided specifics but reiterated the potential for a deal."
"US President Donald Trump initially warned that the United States was "locked and loaded" and prepared to act if Iranian security forces killed protesters. He later vowed "very strong action" if Iran proceeded with any executions. Trump later said he personally chose not to order military strikes against Iran, attributing his decision to Tehran's reported cancellation of hundreds of planned executions."
""That has to happen [Iran negotiating]," he said. "It's important. If Iran goes, so the region goes, and so we have to get that straight." Witkoff insisted that the Middle East was moving in the right direction. "I think it's amazing what's happening. Everybody is, I think, working together towards peace," the envoy said. "Everyone's bought into President Trump's ideas about border peace, and I think I'm very hopeful.""
The United States is not negotiating with Iran now, though contact has occurred. The United States supports the potential for a diplomatic deal with Iran but has avoided specifying terms. Protests in Iran began on December 28, 2025, in Tehran markets as shopkeepers protested spiraling inflation and a collapsing currency. The unrest escalated into widespread demonstrations against authorities over worsening living standards and suppression of basic freedoms. US-Iran tensions rose as the United States warned of readiness to act if Iranian security forces killed protesters and threatened strong action over planned executions, yet refrained from military strikes after reported cancellations. Calls insist that Iran must engage at the diplomatic table to stabilize the region.
Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
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