The U.S. Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, has said that Iran is in a tough position, stressing that Washington remains open to dialogue even as new sanctions draw near.
Speaking at the Concordia Conference in New York on Wednesday, Witkoff explained that the U.S. approach toward Iran is rooted in diplomacy, despite ongoing tensions. “With regard to Iran, we’re talking to them. And why wouldn’t we? We talk to everybody, as well we should. That’s the job. Our job is to solve things diplomatically,” he said.
Witkoff noted that “snapback” sanctions—a mechanism triggered by European states—are expected to take effect around September 28, 2025. He emphasized that while the U.S. does not seek to harm Iran, it views the sanctions as necessary to address current challenges.
“I would say with Iran that they’re in a tough position. Now, snapbacks are going to ensue in what, two days or three days, something like that. And I think that we have no desire to hurt them,” Witkoff explained. “I think we have a desire, however, to either realize a permanent solution and negotiate around snapbacks, and if we can’t, then snapbacks will be what they are. They’re the right medicine for what’s happening.”
The envoy’s remarks underline the Biden administration’s dual approach of maintaining pressure through sanctions while keeping the door open for diplomacy to secure a lasting solution with Iran.
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