Viktor Orbán mal podľa Bloombergu v telefonáte nazvať Vladimira Putina priateľom a ponúknuť mu summity v Budapešti. Hovor sa mal týkať vojny na Ukrajine.
Egypt has announced it held discussions with US envoy Witkoff and other regional counterparts, likely concerning ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic efforts.
President Trump has repeatedly stated that US military operations in Iran are nearing an end, suggesting a withdrawal could occur within two to three weeks, regardless of a deal with Iran. These remarks come amidst Iran's denial of ongoing negotiations and calls for peace, with Trump emphasizing the lack of reason for continued US involvement.
Iran has announced it will ease and expedite humanitarian aid passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and its foreign minister confirmed that Indian-flagged vessels and tankers, along with those from other 'friendly nations' like China, Iraq, Pakistan, and Russia, are permitted passage on a case-by-case basis.
US President Donald Trump has extended a deadline and promoted progress in talks with Iran, stating he is suspending attacks on Iranian energy plants. These diplomatic developments continue as military strikes persist, causing market volatility and stock drops.
Donald Trump's evolving Iran diplomacy is highlighted by a sudden shift towards negotiations, with Witkoff traveling to Pakistan for in-person talks with Iran, despite neither side appearing to back down. Trump also stated the US is negotiating with a high-ranking Iranian official.
Israel's multi-layered air defense systems have intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles over central Israel, including Tel Aviv, with reports of explosions and injuries, as Iran continues multiple waves of attacks on residential areas. Tehran has dismissed US President Donald Trump's claims of productive negotiations, while Israel has also targeted areas in Beirut.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has repeatedly voiced apprehension that the US-Iran conflict is drawing Washington's focus away from Russian aggression, potentially causing delays in crucial diplomatic meetings and impacting efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.
A Ukrainian delegation met with Trump's envoy Witkoff and Kushner in Miami for a new round of peace negotiations, more than a month after their last meeting. Witkoff commented on efforts to narrow and resolve remaining items in their discussions, with talks expected to continue.
Diretor-adjunto da "task force" de Segurança Interna dos EUA acusa os enviados de Trump de terem ocultado uma "ótima proposta iraniana" e de terem forçado a entrada em guerra a pedido de Israel.
Încercarea eșuată de a ajunge la o soluție pașnică cu Iranul nu a zguduit încrederea președintelui în cei doi oameni pe care i-a însărcinat cu realizarea păcii în lume.
Iran has begun mining the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil shipping chokepoint, with US naval forces actively destroying the mines. President Trump demanded Iran immediately remove all mines, warning of severe consequences. Reports estimate Iran possesses 5,000-6,000 sea mines, posing a major threat to global shipping.
Amid reports of potential breakthroughs in negotiations, the Kremlin accused British specialists of involvement in missile launches against Bryansk, while Ukraine's President Zelensky proposed a trilateral meeting and reported two deaths and five injuries in a Russian raid on Kharkiv.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has said he already sees signs of a potential "inflection point" in negotiations on ending Russia's war against Ukraine, noting that the sides are "weary and tired."
The article examines the worldview of Donald Trump's negotiators, Witkoff and Kushner, noting that the unsuccessful attempt to achieve a peaceful resolution with Iran has not shaken Trump's faith in them.
US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has said communication on ending the Russo-Ukrainian war is ongoing and that additional progress is expected in the coming weeks.
Israels Militär berichtet, dass die Feuerkraft der iranischen Angriffe nachlasse. Indes spricht der US-Sondergesandte Witkoff über die angebliche Atombomben-Prahlerei des Iran.
“Fjalët e Araqchi-t ministrit të Jashtëm iranian drejtuar Wittkoff dhe Kushner në takimin e Gjenevës”, kanë marrë vëmendjen e mediave të huaja, pas nisjes së sulmeve nga SHBA dhe Izraeli ndaj Iranit.
US President Donald Trump put his son-in-law Jared Kushner and long-time friend Steve Witkoff in charge of resolving the war in Ukraine and a stand-off with Iran.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, close associates of Donald Trump, are reportedly traveling extensively in diplomatic circles with the ambitious goal of resolving multiple global crises in a single day.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi meets Trump envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva as U.S. and Iran exchange proposals on Tehran’s nuclear program.
Delegations from the United States and Iran are set to meet in Geneva in what is being described as potentially the last diplomatic opportunity for the Trump administration, amidst Iran's preparations for war and discussions of the ayatollah's succession.
Ukraine's chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, is scheduled to meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday, ahead of a new round of talks with Russia planned for March.
AMERIČKI izaslanik Steve Witkoff izrazio je nadu da bi sastanak Zelenskog i Putina, moguć za tri tjedna, riješio ključna teritorijalna pitanja i doveo do mira uz potporu SAD-a.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said he hopes that talks between Zelenskyy and Putin could address territorial issues and security guarantees, with possible progress in the coming weeks.
US President Donald Trump has not yet made a final decision on potential airstrikes against Iran, as his administration awaits a final offer from Tehran before the last round of negotiations in Geneva.
An analysis suggests Iran is preparing a major deception, and Donald Trump is repeating his 2018 mistake, with a focus on a 'genius' but 'incompetent negotiator' Steve Witkoff.
US President Donald Trump himself doesn't believe why Iran has not yet 'capitulated' to the American military buildup in the Middle East, stated his special envoy Steve Witkoff, reports BBC.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reveals Trump's "zero enrichment" red line violated as Iran nuclear program advances despite mounting U.S. pressure in region.
Trimisul special al președintelui american, Steve Witkoff, a declarat că ar putea apărea „vești bune” în următoarele săptămâni în privința încheierii războiului dintre Rusia și Ucraina și nu a exclus
Donald Trump questioned why Iran has not 'capitulated' as the US builds up forces, while US and Iran resumed Oman-mediated talks in Geneva to prevent military action.
Specijalni izaslanik Sjedinjenih Američkih Država (SAD) Steve Witkoff izjavio je da je AMERIČKI predsjednik Donald Trump radoznao te ga zanima zbog čega Iran nije popustio pod rastućim pritiskom SAD-a
Kyiv: attack in Lviv, one dead and 24 injured. Zelensky: "It's terrorism, one person has been stopped. Investigations underway." US envoy Witkoff: "Next round of negotiations in three weeks"
Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, defended his meetings with Vladimir Putin, stating the Russian leader was direct about his 'red lines' and hinted at potential good news.
A US special envoy stated that a new round of negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian delegations is expected within three weeks, potentially culminating in a high-level meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Putin.
WorldNYTwsjAl Jazeera+4Business InsiderTimes of Indiazerohedgeprotothema-en1mo ago7 sources
Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner head the U.S. team and are responsible for Russia-Ukraine talks nearby, meaning they may be shuttling quickly between venues.
US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to visit Kyiv during April, according to Ukrainian authorities. The visit aims to strengthen ties and discuss ongoing support.
Iran's foreign minister, Araghchi, stated that while message exchanges continue with Washington via intermediaries like Witkoff, these do not constitute negotiations, and trust between the two nations is absent.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has predicted the war with Iran could conclude within weeks, not months, as America anticipates Iran's response 'any moment' after strikes on nuclear and metal processing facilities. G7 foreign ministers have urged a halt to attacks on civilians in the Middle East and called on Iran to immediately restore shipping freedom in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Rubio reiterated his prediction after meeting G7 counterparts in France.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed 'very good' talks to end combat with Iran, leading to a delay in US strikes and a rise in markets, though Iran denies these discussions, outlines 'red lines' for peace, and continues its strikes, even firing rockets at Israel and mocking Trump.
Global stock markets rallied and oil prices initially dropped after US President Donald Trump announced 'good discussions' with Iran, but the relief was short-lived. Markets quickly became jittery again, with US stock futures dipping and foreign outflows hitting Asian stocks amid ongoing Middle East uncertainty and Iran war oil shock fears.
US President Donald Trump has postponed his ultimatum to bomb Iran's electricity grid and announced a tactical pause on strikes, claiming to have begun talks with Tehran and that 'regime change' is underway. However, Iran has denied engaging in talks with the US and warned against targeting its vital infrastructure.
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a special diplomatic team, led by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, and has begun preliminary discussions on potential peace talks with Iran, according to Axios.
British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell attended the final talks between the US and Iran and assessed that Tehran's offer regarding its nuclear program was sufficient...
Axios reports that a direct communication channel between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been reactivated in recent days.
O delegație rusă condusă de reprezentantul special al președintelui Vladimir Putin, Kirill Dmitriev, s-a întâlnit miercuri, 11 martie, cu o delegație americană la Florida, a declarat reprezentantul…
SURADNIK Donalda Trumpa izjavio je da je britanska podrška akciji protiv Irana stigla prekasno, ali vjeruje da se narušeni odnosi između Trumpa i premijera Keira Starmera mogu popraviti.
US says its firepower will ‘surge dramatically’ and IDF warns of ‘surprises ahead’, as Iran launches retaliatory strikes
Middle East crisis – live updates
Israel and the US have bombarded Iran and…
«Nous ferons probablement ce voyage la semaine prochaine, mais nous n’en sommes pas sûrs pour l’instant», a déclaré Steve Witkoff, émissaire spécial de Donald Trump.
Signs of tension are emerging in US-Israel relations amidst the escalating Middle East conflict, as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner unexpectedly canceled a planned visit to Israel.
IAEA chief claims no evidence of Iran building nuclear bomb despite U.S. envoy revealing Iranian negotiators boasts having about 460kg weapons-grade uranium stockpile.
TRUMPOV izaslanik Steve Witkoff rekao je da su iranski pregovarači njemu i Trumpovu zetu Jaredu Kushneru "izravno i bez imalo srama" poručili da kontroliraju 460 kilograma uranija obogaćenog na 60…
Izraelski veleposlanik u Hrvatskoj Gary Koren rekao je u emisiji "Studio 4" HRT-a da je prošla noć u Izraelu protekla mirno, što pokazuje da se obavlja dobar posao u pogledu balističkih raketa.
Íránští zástupci během dřívějších jednání se Spojenými státy prohlásili, že mají 460 kilogramů na 60 procent obohaceného uranu, který by mohl být použit k výrobě jedenácti atomových bomb, řekl…
A diplomatic confrontation occurred in Geneva between Araqchi and Witkoff prior to the American attack on Iran, where Iran asserted its 'inalienable right' to enrich uranium, and the US countered with its 'inalienable right' to stop them.
The briefing came while the Trump administration's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner were in Geneva holding nuclear talks with Iran.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and including members of the government's economic team, is continuing its work in Geneva, holding meetings with figures like Witkoff and Kushner.
US representative Witkoff announced upcoming talks between American and Ukrainian officials in Geneva on February 26, following a previous round of unproductive discussions between Ukraine, Russia, and the US.
Ukraine's lead negotiator Rustem Umerov will meet with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday, ahead of a fresh round of trilateral talks with Russia expected in March. Follow our liveblog for the latest developments.
US envoy Steve Witkoff has announced talks with Rustem Umierov, Ukraine's National Security Council secretary, in Geneva on possible paths towards a peace deal
Trump’s decision to order airstrikes against Iran will hinge in part on the judgment of Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner
Hello and welcome to the US politics live blog.
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The remarks differ from what Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is said to have told the president in high-level White House meetings.
American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to meet with an Iranian delegation in Geneva on Thursday, according to a senior US official.
Ameriški predsednik je radoveden, zakaj Iran še ni kapituliral in omejil svoj jedrski program, je povedal posebni odposlanec za Bližnji vzhod Steve Witkoff. In zakaj niso kapitulirali? "Zato, ker smo
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi seemingly responded on Twitter to a message from US envoy Steve Witkoff, stating that Donald Trump wonders why Iran still hasn't capitulated.
A meeting between Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin could take place in the next three weeks, said US special envoy Steve Witkoff, adding that Donald Trump could...
US envoy Steve Witkoff stated that President Trump is curious why Iran has not yet compromised, despite a significant American military build-up in the region.
Iran and the United States are sliding rapidly towards military conflict as hopes fade for a diplomatic solution to their standoff over Tehran’s nuclear program, officials on both sides and diplomats
Donald Trump reportedly wonders why Iran has not 'capitulated' under US pressure and military force regarding the nuclear deal, despite ongoing negotiations and ultimatums.
US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff stated in an interview with Fox News that Russian President Vladimir Putin was always open during all their personal meetings regarding the war in Ukraine...
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reports that President Donald Trump is surprised by Iran's refusal to yield despite immense pressure, as Washington threatens further consequences.
US envoy Steve Witkoff asserted that Iran could develop the capacity to produce an atomic bomb within approximately one week, raising international concerns.
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have reportedly held negotiations in Geneva with the aim of securing a nuclear deal with Iran and bringing an end to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Iran said on Monday that the United States’s position on Iran’s nuclear programme “has moved towards a more realistic one”, a day ahead of a second round of US-Iranian talks in Geneva.
Tehran’s foreign minister arrived in Geneva for the new round of indirect negotiations with the US, as the Revolutionary Guards began military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for oil and gas.
The two sides recently resumed indirect talks, mediated by Oman, after US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened military action against Iran over a deadly crackdown on protesters last month.
A previous attempt at negotiations collapsed when Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran, beginning a 12-day war that Washington briefly joined to bomb Iranian nuclear sites.
“A cautious assessment is that, from the discussions that have taken place in Muscat to date, at least what we have been told is that the US position on the Iranian nuclear issue has moved towards a more realistic one,” said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, the official IRNA news agency reported.
According to Tehran, talks mediated by Oman will be held on Tuesday in Switzerland.
Washington has previously pushed for other topics to be discussed, including Iran’s ballistic missiles and support for armed groups in the region.
The war games being conducted by the Guards, the ideological arm of the military, aim to prepare it for “potential security and military threats” in the Strait, Iranian state TV said.
Iranian politicians have repeatedly threatened to block the strait, a strategic waterway through which about 20 per cent of global oil passes, as both sides ramp up pressure with talks set to resume.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Monday, “We’re hopeful there’s a deal”.
“The president always prefers peaceful outcomes and negotiated outcomes to things.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, wrote on X that he was meeting in Geneva with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, “for deep technical discussion”.
Grossi later confirmed the meeting on X, calling the conversation with Araghchi “in-depth” ahead of Tuesday’s “important negotiations”.
Protest crackdown
Araghchi is also set to hold talks with his Swiss and Omani counterparts as well as other international officials, Iran’s foreign ministry said.
“I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats,” Araghchi added on X.
Washington has dispatched Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, the White House confirmed on Sunday.
The latest talks follow repeated threats from Trump of military action against Tehran, first over Iran’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests, and then more recently over the country’s nuclear programme.
The West fears the programme is aimed at making a bomb, which Tehran denies.
On Friday, Trump said a change of government in Iran would be the “best thing that could happen”, as he sent a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East to ratchet up military pressure.
His remarks came before demonstrations outside Iran against its authorities swept a number of cities, including in the US, over the weekend.
‘Viable’ deal
Iran’s deputy foreign minister told the BBC that Tehran would consider compromises on its uranium stockpile if Washington lifts sanctions that have crippled the country’s economy.
“If we see the sincerity on their (American) part, I am sure we will be on a road to have an agreement,” said Majid Takht-Ravanchi.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that any deal must involve the removal of all enriched uranium from Iran as well as Tehran’s ability to enrich more.
The whereabouts of Iran’s stockpile of around 400 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60 per cent remains unknown, with inspectors having last seen it in June.
President Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Monday, stating the country could be 'eliminated' in a single night, possibly Tuesday, as a deadline for the Strait of Hormuz loomed. During the same press conference, Trump detailed a high-risk pilot rescue mission and threatened a journalist over leaked information.
Donald Trump is reportedly moving forward with plans to reopen the legendary Alcatraz prison, closed decades ago, to house the most brutal criminals, with a budget request of $152 million submitted to Congress for its first phase of reopening.
Global stock markets, including major Indian indices like Sensex and Nifty, experienced a significant rally, with Sensex jumping nearly 1900 points, driven by investor optimism and hopes for a swift resolution to the Middle East conflict following comments from Trump about leaving Iran soon.
President Trump has publicly reiterated his threat that 'Cuba is next' for US military action while speaking at a Saudi investment conference, as US-Cuba tensions continue to rise due to restricted oil shipments, prompting Cuba to seek the Vatican's help, amidst the island's latest internal crisis.
President Trump has extended his ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 10 days, paused attacks on its energy sector, and expressed a desire for a speedy end to the war, though he stated there is no cease-fire. Meanwhile, Israel launched more strikes on Iran, and markets have reacted to these developments, with oil falling, gold rising, and stocks finishing higher.
President Trump continues to balance diplomacy and force in the Iran War, making statements about a 'valuable gift' from Iran, delaying strikes on Iran's infrastructure which led to Asian equities rebounding, and engaging in extensive back-channel diplomacy that influenced his policy shifts, including a call with PM Modi and China's Wang Yi pushing Iran to talk with the US, while the US and Iran remain at odds over truce talks.
Ministrul de externe al Iranului, Abbas Araghchi, l-a informat în secret pe trimisul special al SUA, Steve Witkoff, că Mojtaba Khamenei a aprobat demararea unor negocieri în vederea încheierii unui…
Donald Trump's evolving Iran diplomacy is highlighted by a sudden shift towards negotiations, with Witkoff traveling to Pakistan for in-person talks with Iran, despite neither side appearing to back down.
Πρόοδο στις συνομιλίες που διεξήχθησαν την Κυριακή για τον τερματισμό του πολέμου στην Ουκρανία διαπίστωσε ο ειδικός απεσταλμένος των ΗΠΑ Στιβ Γουίτκοφ.
Πρόοδο στις συνομιλίες για τον πόλεμο στην…
White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff described his Saturday meeting with a Ukrainian delegation in Miami as constructive, indicating progress in discussions.
Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu sharply criticized Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for Donald Trump, after Witkoff suggested the US could trust Russia's claims about not sharing intelligence with Iran, calling him an 'idiot or compromised'.
Steve Witkoff, special envoy of Donald Trump, stated that the recent prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine resulted from trilateral negotiations involving the United States, and that talks are continuing with expected progress.
Iran claims it possesses 460kg of 60% enriched uranium, enough to build nuclear weapons. US envoy Steve Witkoff details failed negotiations, revealing Tehran's defiant stance on uranium enrichment.
US envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Iranian officials claimed to possess enough enriched uranium for eleven atomic bombs, a claim that Russia's foreign minister questioned.
A British publication discusses the relationship between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump, as analyzed by the political editor of 'The Spectator'.
US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff promised not to sign a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia until Ukrainians are sure that Moscow will no longer pose a threat…
US Demands Iran Dismantle Its 3 Main Nuclear Sites In Hours-Long Talks
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held more than three hours of negotiations with Iranian Foreign Minister…
Abbas Aragchi e Steve Witkoff voltam a encontrar-se em Genebra para negociação mediada por Omã que é vista como decisiva para evitar um conflito entre os EUA e o Irão.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will attend the indirect talks with Iran’s foreign minister.
The Kremlin has expressed skepticism regarding the possibility of an early meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Rustem Umierov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council and head of Ukraine's negotiating delegation, will hold talks with US negotiators in Geneva on Thursday 26 February.
JAV prezidento specialusis pasiuntinys Steve’as Witkoffas šią savaitę lankysis Ženevoje. Ten jis susitiks su Ukrainos Nacionalinio saugumo ir gynybos tarybos sekretoriumi Rustemu Umerovu, praneša „RBC
Donald Trump's decision on whether to order strikes against Iran will largely depend on the assessment of his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, regarding whether Tehr...
US President Donald Trump said that the reports about General John D. Caine being against the war with Iran were "fake news" and warned the regime against making a deal with the US.
Exclusive: Trump’s decision will be driven by envoys’ judgment on whether Iran is stalling on a nuclear deal
Donald Trump’s decision to order airstrikes against Iran will hinge in part on the judgment of Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, about whether Tehran is stalling over a deal to relinquish its capacity to produce nuclear weapons, according to people familiar with the matter.
The president has not made a final determination on any strikes, as the administration pre...
“Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region. Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals,” Mr. Pezeshkian, a doctor-turned-moderate politician who was elected President in 2024 after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter accident, wrote in a social media post
US President Donald Trump has issued a 10-day deadline for a nuclear deal with Iran, warning that the United States will take military action if Tehran fails to “capitulate” to Washington’s demands. Special envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News on Saturday that the President is “curious” why Iran has not yet conceded, despite a massive […]
"I don't want to use the word 'frustrated,' because he understands he has plenty of alternatives, but he's curious as to why they haven't. I don't want to use the word 'capitulated,' but why they haven't capitulated," says U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff
US envoy Steve Witkoff stated that President Donald Trump is questioning why Iran has not yet 'capitulated' in the face of US military deployments, which are intended to pressure Tehran into accepting a nuclear agreement.
US envoy Steve Witkoff warns Iran could be a week from producing bomb-grade uranium, despite past strikes. Washington remains concerned about Tehran's nuclear ambitions, with US President Donald Trum
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that US mediation in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia could lead to a personal meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin within the next three weeks.
US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has said that Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has always been straightforward with him during meetings on the Russo-Ukrainian war.
US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed a meeting with an exiled Iranian royal and stated that Donald Trump is questioning why Iran has not 'capitulated,' amid remarks about regime change.
Oil Surges On Report Warning US-Iran War Is Far Closer Than Americans Realize
Axios' Barak Ravid, a journalist very close to the Israeli government, writes Wednesday that the Trump White House is now "closer to a major war in the Middle East than most Americans realize. It could begin very soon."
The sources he spoke to, which could be American or Israeli, say that such an operation would be a "massive" campaign at least weeks in sustained length. If it the campaign goes the way of Iraq or Afghanistan, or Syria, the conflict could eventually be measured in years and not just months.
Further, "The sources noted it would likely be a joint U.S.-Israeli campaign that's much broader in scope — and more existential for the regime — than the Israeli-led 12-day war last June, which the U.S. eventually joined to take out Iran's underground nuclear facilities."
USAF/CNN
All of this looks to be going down with no public or Congressional debate whatsoever: "With the attention of Congress and the public otherwise occupied, there is little public debate about what could be the most consequential U.S. military intervention in the Middle East in at least a decade," notes Axios.
Both sides are citing 'progress' in the two rounds of indirect negotiations (in Oman and then Geneva) which have taken place thus far, however, there's been nothing yet in the way of specific agreement. Washington's commitment to see talks through even for weeks at this point is highly in quesiton.
The following was the initial Iranian assessment of how the talks led by Witkoff and Kushner in Geneva went this week:
Iran has said it has reached an understanding with the US on the main "guiding principles" to resolve their dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme.
Speaking after indirect talks in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi added that work still needed to be done. The US said "progress was made".
Badr Albusaidi, foreign minister of mediator Oman, said the negotiations "concluded with good progress towards identifying common goals and relevant technical issues".
The Iranians have asked for two weeks to hammer out a detailed proposal, with an American official stating, "Progress was made, but there are still a lot of details to discuss. The Iranians said they would come back in the next two weeks with detailed proposals to address some of the open gaps in our positions."
Given President Trump has ordered a second US carrier group to the region, along with a huge number of support aircraft, does Iran really have two weeks to spare?
Oil reaches HOD Wednesday soon on heels of Axios report, with WTI kissing $64/barrel...
To some degree, the Iranians are likely buying time, knowing that a surprise, unprovoked attack could be imminent. This would be similar to the June war, but unlike that scenario this would indeed be much bigger.
There's reason to believe Trump may stay restrained, however, and give negotiations time. Fear of higher oil prices could ultimately be the deciding factor here, pushing Trump to settle with Iran and not spark another completely unpredictable, likely disastrous war in the Middle East.
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/18/2026 - 08:36