Trump Puzzled That Iran Has Not Yet Surrendered Despite US Military Encirclement
US special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has disclosed that President Donald Trump is bewildered and questioning why Iran has not yet “surrendered” and agreed to curb its nuclear programme, despite facing a massive US military deployment in the Middle East.
The reinforcement of American military strength in the region is aimed at pressuring Iran into agreeing to a nuclear deal.
The United States and Iran have resumed nuclear negotiations in recent weeks, mediated by Oman, with the aim of averting possible military action after Washington dispatched two aircraft carriers along with fighter jets and other weaponry to the Middle East as a warning to Tehran.
In an interview with US media outlet Fox News, as reported by AFP on Monday (23/2/2026), Witkoff said Trump was “curious” about Iran’s position after he had warned the country of severe consequences should a deal fail to materialise.
“I don’t want to use the word ‘frustrated’, because he understands that he has many alternatives, but he is curious why they haven’t… I don’t want to use the word ‘surrendered’, but why haven’t they surrendered,” Witkoff said in an interview recorded on Thursday (19/2) but only broadcast on Saturday (21/2) local time.
“Why, under this pressure, with the amount of naval and maritime force that is there, why haven’t they come to us and said, ‘We declare we do not want weapons, so here is what we are prepared to do’? But it’s rather difficult to get them to that point,” he said.
Trump has ordered a massive military deployment to the Middle East and preparations for potential weeks-long air strikes against Iran. Tehran, meanwhile, has threatened to attack US bases in the region if it comes under assault.
The US wants Iran to surrender its enriched uranium, which Washington says could potentially be used to build a bomb, as well as to cease support for militants in the Middle East and accept restrictions on its missile programme.
Tehran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful but is willing to accept certain limitations in exchange for the lifting of financial sanctions. Iran has also refused to discuss other issues, such as ballistic missiles and support for armed groups in the region.
“They have enriched uranium far beyond the amount needed for civilian nuclear weapons. Up to 60 per cent (fissile purity). They may be just a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material, and that is extremely dangerous,” Witkoff said.
Witkoff’s remarks came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a draft proposal for a deal with the US would be ready within days. Trump said on Thursday (19/2) that Tehran had a maximum of 15 days to reach an agreement.