US-Israel versus Iran: Steve Witkoff Admits Lack of Clear Strategy to End War

The special envoy of US President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, stated that he does not have a clear picture of how United States military operations against Iran will end. This statement emerged amid escalating tensions in the Middle East involving direct interstate attacks.

“I don’t know. What I do know is that President Donald Trump is not someone to be challenged,” Witkoff said in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, 10 March 2026. The statement affirmed Washington’s offensive stance, although the long-term strategy for these operations remains questioned by the international community.

Initially, Washington and Tel Aviv claimed that the attacks were a preventive measure to disable Iran’s nuclear programme, which they deemed a threat to global security. However, as the operation progressed, the targeting focus shifted towards efforts at regime change in Iran.

The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei became a major turning point in Middle Eastern politics. This forced Iran to undergo rapid leadership reorganisation under the pressure of continuing foreign military intervention.

This military intervention has not escaped international criticism. Russian President Vladimir Putin openly condemned Khamenei’s killing, calling it a cynical violation of international law. According to the Kremlin, US and Israeli actions could trigger wider chaos in an already unstable region.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry in Moscow has urged immediate de-escalation. They have warned that without a clear exit strategy, this military operation will only become a prolonged war that damages global economic stability and security.