Trump Questions Iran’s Lack of ‘Capitulation’, US Envoy Witkoff Reports
US President Donald Trump is increasingly curious about why Iran has yet to capitulate amid heightened military tensions in the Middle East, as revealed by Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy. During a recent interview with Fox News, Witkoff commented on Trump’s concerns, especially after the president indicated that a limited military strike might occur if a resolution regarding Tehran’s nuclear program isn’t achieved.
Rising Military Presence Near Iran
– The US has significantly increased its military presence near Iran in recent weeks.
– This buildup includes major naval assets like the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, which appears to be heading towards the region.
– The USS Abraham Lincoln and several destroyers, combat ships, and fighter jets are also deployed.
Diplomatic Efforts Amid Tensions
Witkoff explained Trump’s perspective, emphasizing his curiosity rather than frustration regarding Iran’s response to US military pressure. The envoy stated, “I don’t want to use the word ‘capitulated,’ but why haven’t they capitulated? Why haven’t they come to us and said, ‘We profess that we don’t want a weapon, so here’s what we’re prepared to do?’”
Despite ongoing tensions, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi believes a diplomatic resolution is still possible. He has mentioned that negotiators are currently crafting elements of a deal and are preparing a draft agreement to present to Witkoff in the coming days.
Recent Protests in Iran
The situation in Iran remains volatile, with significant anti-government protests rising across several universities over the weekend. These protests are notably the largest since January’s violent crackdown that resulted in thousands of deaths.
– Students at the Sharif University of Technology were seen marching and clashing with government supporters.
– Demonstrations also occurred at the Iran University of Science and Technology and Khajeh Nasir Toosi University in Tehran, among others.
– Protests featured historical symbols such as the Lion and Sun flag and chants of Javid Shah (long live the king), while counter-protests featured the burning of US and Israeli flags.
Human Rights Concerns
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) has reported shocking figures related to these protests:
– At least 7,015 people have died, including 6,508 protesters, 226 children, and 214 government affiliates.
– Iranian authorities have claimed over 3,100 deaths, attributing many to security personnel or bystanders.
Implications of Trump’s Statements
Trump’s statements indicate a critical juncture in US-Iran relations, where diplomatic paths may hinge on imminent military actions or negotiations. He has suggested that the world will know within the next ten days whether a deal will materialize, or if military action will follow instead.
In conclusion, Trump’s query about why Iran has not capitulated highlights both a strategic and diplomatic uncertainty in US foreign policy. With military deployments increasing and protests intensifying, the coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of US-Iran relations and regional stability.