US special envoy Steve Witkoff – speaking on behalf of the Trump administration – said the US is not in talks with Iran right now, although “we have had contact with them”.
Speaking in an interview with CNBC on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Witkoff said that “Iran is a deal that has to happen.”
Asked for details, he avoided answering, but reiterated that there is a possibility of an agreement.
Protests in Iran began on December 28, 2025, in the markets of the capital Tehran, by merchants angry about poor economic conditions, including high inflation and a free fall in the currency.
The unrest quickly escalated, turning into widespread demonstrations against the authorities over deteriorating living standards and the suppression of fundamental freedoms.
US President Donald Trump initially warned that the United States was “ready and armed” and prepared to act if Iranian security forces killed protesters.
Later, he vowed “very strong action” if Iran continued to execute protesters.
Trump then said he had personally chosen not to order military strikes against Iran, attributing this decision to Tehran’s reported cancellation of hundreds of planned executions.
In another interview in Davos, Witkoff told Arab News that Iran should come and sit at the diplomatic table.
“This has to happen [for Iran to negotiate],” he said. “It’s important. If Iran goes, the region goes, so we have to make that clear.”
Witkoff insisted that the Middle East is moving in the right direction
