Witkoff sees opportunity for Iran deal

Iran war

Witkoff sees opportunity for Iran deal – war rages on

After renewed threats from US President Trump, it is still unclear who is negotiating with whom about a possible end to the war. But the US special envoy already sees good chances for an agreement.

According to US special envoy Steve Witkoff, there are good prospects of success in contacts between the USA and Iran to end the war. “We have strong indications that there is a possibility,” Witkoff said in Washington. He also confirmed that he had sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war. According to a media report, Tehran has already made counter demands.

The further course of the war remains completely open: before the end of US President Donald Trump’s ultimatum, forecasts range from a quick ceasefire to attacks by ground troops. Trump renewed threats against Iran and did not rule out taking control of Iranian oil. “It’s an option,” he said in response to a question from journalists.

Trump had previously threatened Iran with destroying power plants if Tehran did not open the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday he postponed the deadline for this by five days and justified this with productive discussions.

Witkoff reported good contacts with Tehran – but sees the Iranian leadership’s turn. “We will see where things go and whether we can convince Iran that this is the tipping point where they have no better alternatives than more death and destruction,” he said.

Witkoff explained that the 15-point plan to resolve the war was transmitted via the Pakistani government and forms the framework for a peace agreement. Discussions then took place with Iran, although their content should remain confidential.

It remains largely unclear who speaks to whom on behalf of the parties to the conflict. As the Iranian news agency Tasnim reports, Iran submitted a response to the US’s 15-point proposal on Thursday night – including a call for an end to hostilities on all fronts.

Trump did not mention an Iranian reaction in his post. The political and military leadership in Tehran had so far denied any negotiations. Trump wrote in capital letters: “Wrong!!!” According to Tasnim, Iran accuses the US government of simply wanting to gain time for a ground offensive and keep oil prices low. Tehran’s demands also include that the USA and Israel stop targeted killings.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed his country’s mediation efforts on Thursday. In this context, the US’s 15-point plan was also shared and considered by Iran, the minister wrote on X.

According to media reports, Israel expects that Trump could single-handedly announce a ceasefire with Iran this weekend. The Israeli TV station N12 mentioned this Saturday as a possible date, and the news portal “ynet” mentioned the middle of next week at the latest.