Trump envoy's Iran claims disputed by Gulf diplomat
Mar 4th 2026
A Persian Gulf diplomat says Steve Witkoff misrepresented Iran's offers in early February talks, contradicting his claim that Iranian negotiators boasted of enough enriched uranium for nearly a dozen bombs; the White House stands by Witkoff as U.S. and regional officials warn the dispute may hurt ceasefire efforts.
- Steve Witkoff told Fox News that Iranian negotiators said they controlled 460 kilograms of 60 percent enriched uranium and could make about 11 bombs.
- A Persian Gulf diplomat with direct knowledge of the talks said Witkoff misrepresented the conversation and that Iran offered to give up the material as part of a deal.
- The White House defended Witkoff and said Iran refused to take the talks seriously, calling the media report propaganda.
- U.S. officials say Iranian negotiators declined to discuss ballistic missiles and funding for proxy groups with Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
- The first round of talks on Feb. 6 in Muscat was mostly indirect, with only a brief 4 to 5 minute face to face meeting between delegations.
- Sources say mistrust of Witkoff and disputes over his conduct may have undermined negotiations and complicated efforts to secure a ceasefire ahead of the June 2025 strikes.