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Sunday, February 22, 2026
Witkoff: Trump ‘curious’ why Iran hasn’t ‘capitulated’ under US pressure
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US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff says President Donald Trump is “curious” as to why Iran has not yielded under mounting US pressure, as nuclear talks between the sides remain stalled on core issues.
In an interview with Fox News, Witkoff says Trump is questioning why Tehran has not “capitulated” despite what he describes as significant US naval and sea power deployed in the region.
“The president asked me that this morning, and he’s — I don’t wanna use the word frustrated… because he understands he’s got plenty of alternatives, but… he’s curious as to why they haven’t, I don’t wanna use the word capitulated, but why they haven’t capitulated.”
Witkoff suggests that Washington expects Iran to formally state that it does not seek a nuclear weapon and outline concrete steps to prove it.
Witkoff on Iran: The president is curious as to why — I don’t want to use the word capitulated but why they haven't capitulated. Why under this pressure with the amount of naval power over there, why they haven't come to us and said we profess we don't want a weapon… pic.twitter.com/gdv9CXjwBW
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 22, 2026
Witkoff’s remarks come as two rounds of US-Iran talks have stalled over major sticking points, including uranium enrichment levels, Iran’s missile program and the scope of sanctions relief.
After talks in Geneva on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the sides had agreed on “guiding principles,” though the White House said significant gaps remain.
A US official said Iran is expected to submit a written proposal in the coming days, while Araghchi said Friday that Tehran would present a draft counterproposal within days.
The Times of Israel Community.