Witkoff to meet Iran’s foreign minister in Muscat on Sunday - Axios

Iran must be permanently denied any nuclear or missile capability, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said Wednesday, calling it an “existential threat” to Israel, the United States, and the Persian Gulf region.

Witkoff, who was speaking at a United Hatzalah gala in New York, confirmed he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier that day and praised President Donald Trump’s support for Israel.

“We must stand resolute and united against this danger and ensure that Iran never obtains the means to achieve its deadly ambitions no matter what the cost,” he said.

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Israel is considering a military strike on Iran without US backing, NBC News reported on Thursday, as nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran are set to resume Sunday in Muscat, where US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Iran’s foreign minister.

Israel has grown more serious about unilateral action as Washington inches closer to a preliminary deal with Tehran, which includes provisions on uranium enrichment that Israel views as unacceptable, according to five sources cited by NBC.

“I just think maybe they don’t want to make a deal. What can I say?” President Trump said in a podcast interview earlier this week. “And maybe they do. So what does that mean? There’s nothing final.”

Michael Knights of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy told NBC that the recent US evacuation of nonessential personnel from the region was intended to signal to Iran that Trump might not stand in the way of an Israeli strike. “It’s about trying to get Iran to respect the president’s wishes,” he said.

NBC reported that while Israel would prefer US intelligence or logistical support, no American involvement is currently planned.

"While Israel would most likely prefer US military and intelligence support for strikes — especially against Iranian nuclear facilities — it showed in October that it can do a lot alone," NBC wrote.

The United States is on high alert in anticipation of a potential Israeli strike on Iran, The Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

"The State Department recently ordered all embassies within striking distance of Iranian assets — including missions in the Middle East but also Eastern Europe and Northern Africa — to convene emergency action committees (EACs) and send cables back to Washington about measures to mitigate risks," the report said.

"That procedure led to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision on Wednesday to authorize the departure of nonessential personnel in Iraq."

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“The Trump Admin is clearly into some major preparations for possible military action vs Iran,” former US ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro said on X.

“These steps don't necessarily mean military action is imminent. Still time for talks, it takes time to move people out.”

“But these are steps that it would make sense to take as part of preparations, and to show seriousness. Provides important leverage in nuclear talks,” he said on Wednesday.

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“The Trump Admin is clearly into some major preparations for possible military action vs Iran,” former US ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro said on X.

“These steps don't necessarily mean military action is imminent. Still time for talks, it takes time to move people out.”

“But these are steps that it would make sense to take as part of preparations, and to show seriousness. Provides important leverage in nuclear talks,” he said on Wednesday.