The Role of Witkoff and Kushner in Trump’s Decision-Making on Negotiations with Iran

A British newspaper, referring to the ongoing Tehran–Washington negotiations over limiting Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief — talks that are being held amid warlike threats from U.S. President Donald Trump — wrote: “The U.S. president has not yet made his final decision regarding any potential attack, as the U.S. government is set to receive Iran’s latest proposal this week concerning the draft of a possible agreement. This proposal will be submitted ahead of negotiations scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, which U.S. officials have described as a last opportunity.”

According to Rokna, citing The Guardian, the newspaper reported, quoting informed sources, that the talks will be conducted on behalf of Witkoff and Kushner, and that their assessment of the prospects for reaching an agreement will influence Trump’s calculations.

A U.S. official stated on Monday that “Witkoff has been a member of Trump’s advisory group regarding decision-making on how to proceed with Iran and has been present at all meetings related to this matter.”

On Monday night, the U.S. president once again threatened military action against Iran, dismissing concerns among American officials about the consequences of a military strike on Iran, and said: “Everything that has been written about a possible war with Iran is incorrect and deliberately false. It is I who make the decision.”

The newspaper further wrote: “Informed sources also said that Trump has received several briefings on military options, the most recent of which was held on Wednesday in the White House Situation Room. In recent weeks, he has also sought the views of a wide range of White House officials on what course of action should be taken toward Iran.”

Among Trump’s other principal advisers are Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

The British media outlet, noting that there is also doubt within the U.S. government as to whether airstrikes would be sufficient to compel Iran to reach an agreement or could lead to regime change, wrote: “For this reason, U.S. officials have also examined possible exit paths to avoid military confrontation, including ideas such as allowing Iran to retain limited nuclear enrichment capability strictly for medical research, treatment, or other civilian energy purposes.”

Two informed sources also stated that Marco Rubio is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to provide updated information regarding the outcome of the negotiations. The meeting is scheduled for two weeks from now."