US Special Envoy Says He Met Reza Pahlavi on Trump's Orders
Steve Witkoff, the US special representative for Middle East affairs, stated that he met and spoke with Reza Pahlavi on the orders of President Donald Trump.
Witkoff told Fox News that Trump is "curious" why Iran has not "surrendered" despite increasing US pressures, including a military buildup aimed at securing a nuclear deal. He quoted Trump as asking why Tehran has not backed down amid expanded US naval deployments in the region. "I don't want to use the word disappointed, but the president is curious why they... I don't want to use the word surrender, but why haven't they surrendered," Witkoff said. He noted that convincing Iran to offer a specific proposal has been difficult despite the deployments.
The US and Iran have resumed indirect talks mediated by Oman in Geneva in recent days to prevent escalation and potential military action. Washington has sent two aircraft carriers, fighter jets and additional equipment to the region.
Witkoff provided no further details on the meeting with Pahlavi, who has lived abroad since Iran's 1979 revolution and recently said in Munich he is ready to lead Iran toward a "secular and democratic" future.
These remarks come as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a draft proposal for an agreement with Washington will be ready in days. Trump has given Iran a maximum of 15 days to reach a deal on nuclear concerns. Iran's leader Ali Khamenei stated Trump will not succeed in destroying the Islamic Republic.
Western countries accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies, insisting its program is civilian. Iran seeks negotiations to ease sanctions and improve its economy.
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