Trump Questions Iran's Resistance Amid U.S. Military Surge, Witkoff Reveals
On February 22, President Trump expressed his intrigue regarding Iran's steadfastness against U.S. pressure, as military assets are significantly bolstered in the Middle East, according to special envoy Steve Witkoff.
“I hesitate to say he’s ‘frustrated,’ but there’s a sense of curiosity about their lack of response,” Witkoff remarked during a Fox News interview. “He wonders why they haven’t... I mean, capitulated,” he added, emphasizing the perplexity surrounding Iran's position.
Witkoff questioned, “With the overwhelming naval presence and military might in the region, why haven’t they approached us to say, ‘We don’t want a weapon, so here’s our proposal’?” The envoy noted the difficulty in moving Iran toward such discussions.
In response to escalating tensions, Trump has initiated a substantial military buildup and is preparing for a potential extended air campaign against Iran. Tehran has warned of retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases should hostilities escalate.
The U.S. demands that Iran cease its uranium enrichment activities, which Washington claims could lead to nuclear weapon development, halt its support for militant groups in the region, and accept restrictions on its missile program.
Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful but is open to negotiating some limitations in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, it firmly opposes linking these discussions to missile capabilities or support for armed factions.
“They’re enriching uranium far beyond what’s necessary for civilian use—up to 60% purity,” Witkoff stated. “They’re dangerously close to producing industrial-grade bomb material.”
A senior Iranian official indicated that significant differences remain between Iran and the U.S. regarding sanctions relief during ongoing negotiations.
Witkoff also disclosed that he met with Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah of Iran, at Trump’s request. Details of their conversation were not disclosed.
Pahlavi, who resides in exile, has emerged as a prominent figure among Iranian opposition groups during recent anti-government protests that reportedly resulted in thousands of casualties—the most severe unrest since the 1979 revolution.
Earlier this month, Pahlavi suggested that U.S. military intervention could be life-saving for Iranians and urged Washington to avoid prolonged negotiations with Tehran’s leadership over nuclear agreements.
