US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated on Tuesday that President Donald Trump remains open to dialogue with Iran, though he has questioned Iran’s sincerity.
Speaking to CNBC, Witkoff noted that current indicators suggest Iran is not seeking a diplomatic resolution at this stage.
He further revealed that recent military operations have “nearly destroyed” all of Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities.
Shift in military strategy
Witkoff is expected to travel to Israel next week to coordinate with Israel’s leadership regarding the ongoing military campaign.
This visit comes at a critical juncture in “Operation Roaring Lion,” as the US and Israel transition from the initial aerial bombardment phase to a sustained campaign targeting Iran’s high-command infrastructure.
While the visit was initially delayed—with some reports suggesting a temporary postponement by Witkoff and Jared Kushner—the upcoming talks are expected to finalize the coalition’s “Phase III” objectives.
Shared nuclear objectives
The US envoy reiterated that Washington and Jerusalem share the singular goal of ensuring Iran never develops nuclear weapons.
Since the February 28 escalation, joint strikes have focused on the Natanz and Fordow facilities.
Witkoff’s claim that enrichment capacity is “decimated” marks the most definitive American assessment to date regarding the impact of the 12-day air campaign on Iran’s nuclear program.
Tehran’s defiant succession
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ruled out any negotiations with the US.
During an interview with PBS NewsHour, Araghchi emphasized that selecting Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader—following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, in joint US-Israeli strikes—signals “continuity and stability” in Iran’s defiant regional policy.
