President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced that the administration is intensifying its diplomatic outreach to Iran and focusing heavily on efforts to free Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. These moves are part of a broader strategy ahead of President Trump’s upcoming trip to the region.
Speaking with Barak Ravid of Axios while attending the Israeli Embassy’s Independence Day celebration, Witkoff disclosed that Washington is preparing to restart negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.
“The US is trying to schedule the fourth round of nuclear talks with Iran for this weekend. If it doesn’t happen it’s only because of the president’s trip to the Middle East,” Witkoff said.
Although the timing remains delicate, Witkoff expressed cautious hope that diplomacy could still prevail.
“We are making some progress. I hope it is moving in the right direction. The president wants to see this solved diplomatically if possible, so we’re doing everything we can to get it going,” he added.
The United States and Iran have already completed three rounds of nuclear discussions, with Witkoff leading the American delegation. A fourth session had been planned for Rome last weekend, but it was postponed, and no rescheduled date has been announced.
Addressing the matter of Israeli captives in Gaza, Witkoff said that daily coordination continues with regional actors like Egypt and Qatar to pave the way for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
“I hope we make progress. I hope we get everyone out. I talk to Qatar, Egypt, and Israel almost every day. President Trump wants to get the hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu wants to get the hostages. We are working in a concerted way,” he told Ravid.
He noted that the administration hopes to reach a breakthrough “before or during President Trump’s trip to the Middle East.”
Trump’s itinerary next week includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. While Israel is not listed as a stop, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is reportedly planning a visit to Israel on May 12 before linking up with Trump in Saudi Arabia.
In remarks delivered at the Independence Day event, Witkoff acknowledged the somber tone of the celebration due to the continued captivity of 59 hostages by Hamas.
“On behalf of President Trump, I pledge that we will work tirelessly this year so that next year’s Independence Day is not just a wish for happiness, but a reality of peace, prosperity and for Israel, unity,” he said.
Witkoff also referenced other diplomatic developments, including humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the ongoing expansion of the Abraham Accords.
“There are many efforts underway. Humanitarian aid initiatives for Gaza, which we applaud, the expansion of the Abraham peace accords,” Witkoff continued, adding there will be “a lot of announcements very, very shortly” on this front.
Closing his remarks, the envoy called on the people of Israel to rally around shared values and national cohesion. He said, “to choose unity over division, vision over disagreement, and hope over despair. When you do, Israel’s future will shine brighter than ever.”
{Matzav.com}
If you have some free time in between your very important nuclear and hostage negotiation meetings so that we can sign and finalize the deal on the bridge you agreed to buy from me! You know which one; right? The Brooklyn Bridge.
Agreed this ambassador knows nothing. He and Trump are selling Israel down the river.