Who Is Abbas Araghchi’s Opponent in the Muscat Negotiations?
Witkoff’s 40-year friendship with Trump and his real estate background have positioned him as a key figure in sensitive U.S. foreign affairs, despite lacking diplomatic experience.
Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy for Middle Eastern affairs, is set to begin indirect negotiations with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi starting this Saturday. Witkoff, a close friend of Trump for over 40 years, is considered one of his key operatives on sensitive matters.
According to Tasnim News Agency’s international affairs desk, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi will travel to Muscat this coming Saturday for indirect talks with Steve Witkoff, the special representative of U.S. President Donald Trump, regarding the Iran file.
From Gaza to Iran: The Man Behind Closed-Door Talks
Witkoff, a longtime friend of Trump, currently holds responsibility for handling negotiations with Iran as the U.S. envoy for Middle East affairs.
From the beginning of Trump’s presidency, Witkoff was linked to the Gaza ceasefire file. Some analysts even credited him for the success of the Doha negotiations in January 2025.
However, after the first phase of the Doha agreement was implemented, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to follow through with the second phase and resumed attacks on Gaza.
Businessman Turned Envoy: Real Estate Mogul Takes Center Stage
Witkoff’s appointment as Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East has raised eyebrows, as he is not a seasoned diplomat nor an expert on Middle Eastern affairs.
In reality, like Trump, Witkoff is a successful businessman from New York City who made his fortune in real estate and construction. His longstanding friendship with Trump dates back to the latter’s turbulent business years. Witkoff even testified in court in 2023 in favor of Trump, further solidifying the trust between them.
This deep bond and trust led Trump to appoint Witkoff — a real estate expert — to lead delicate negotiations on issues such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran.
In Trump’s previous term, the position of special envoy to the Middle East was held by Jared Kushner. However, Trump has removed Kushner from this role for his current term.
While Witkoff, like Kushner, is Jewish and a strong supporter of Israel, he is not seen as Netanyahu’s puppet. Instead, he is considered Trump’s right-hand man. (PW)
Source: Tasnim News