US President Donald Trump is reportedly puzzled by Iran’s refusal to “capitulate” despite a significant American military presence in the Middle East, according to his special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Speaking to Fox News on Saturday, Witkoff said Trump was “curious” why Iran had not made concessions over its nuclear programme, after he warned of a limited military strike if no deal could be reached.
The US and its European allies suspect Iran of pursuing a nuclear weapon, which Tehran denies.
Witkoff said: “I don’t want to use the word ‘frustrated’… but he [Trump] understands he’s got plenty of alternatives. Yet it’s hard to get them to that place. Why, under this sort of pressure, with the amount of sea and naval power we have over there, haven’t they come forward and said, ‘We don’t want a weapon, here’s what we’ll do’?”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on Sunday, saying he believes a diplomatic resolution remains possible “based on a win-win game.” He told CBS News that negotiators are working on a draft agreement and plan to present it to Witkoff in the coming days.
Indirect talks between US and Iranian officials were held in Geneva on 17 February, with Oman mediating. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said Sunday that the next round is scheduled for Geneva this Thursday, expressing hope for a “positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal.”
Despite ongoing negotiations, Trump warned last Thursday that within the next 10 days the world would learn whether a deal would be reached or whether the US would pursue military action.
The US has increased its military presence in the region in recent weeks, deploying the USS Gerald R Ford, USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, destroyers, combat ships, and fighter jets near Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran has witnessed large-scale anti-government protests over the weekend—the first major demonstrations since January’s deadly crackdown, which reportedly killed thousands. The BBC verified footage showing demonstrators at Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology raising the Lion and Sun flag, a symbol of pre-1979 Iran, and chanting “Javid Shah” (“long live the king”). Counter-protests were also held, with participants burning US and Israeli flags.
Protests were reported at several other universities, including the Iran University of Science and Technology, Khajeh Nasir Toosi University, and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Students gathered to commemorate those killed during last month’s crackdown.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) reported at least 7,015 deaths during the wave, including 6,508 protesters, 226 children, and 214 government-affiliated individuals. The agency is investigating an additional 11,744 suspected fatalities. Iranian authorities reported over 3,100 deaths, most of whom they say were security personnel or civilians affected by rioting.
Trump has historically expressed support for Iranian protesters, at one point suggesting that “help is on its way.”
