Ask Onix
Trump's envoy reveals president's stance on Iran
US President Donald Trump is reportedly puzzled by Iran's refusal to yield under mounting military pressure, according to his special envoy, Steve Witkoff. In an interview with Fox News on Saturday, Witkoff stated that Trump is curious why Tehran has not yet responded to Washington's demands regarding its nuclear program, despite a significant US military buildup in the Middle East.
Military buildup and diplomatic efforts
The US has recently bolstered its military presence near Iran, deploying assets including the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest warship, alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, destroyers, and fighter jets. This show of force comes as indirect negotiations between US and Iranian officials continue, with the next round of talks scheduled for this Thursday in Geneva, mediated by Oman.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated on Sunday that a diplomatic resolution remains possible, describing ongoing efforts as a "win-win game." Araghchi mentioned that Tehran is preparing a draft agreement, which will be presented to Witkoff in the coming days. Despite these diplomatic overtures, Trump suggested last Thursday that the world would know within 10 days whether a deal would be reached or if military action would follow.
"I don't want to use the word 'frustrated'... because he [Trump] understands he's got plenty of alternatives, but he's curious as to why they haven't... I don't want to use the word 'capitulated', but why they haven't capitulated."
Steve Witkoff, US Special Envoy
Protests erupt across Iranian universities
Anti-government demonstrations resurfaced over the weekend at several Iranian universities, marking the first large-scale protests since January's deadly crackdown. The BBC verified footage of protesters at Tehran's Sharif University of Technology, where clashes with government supporters were reported. Similar protests occurred at other institutions, including the Iran University of Science and Technology and Ferdowsi University in Mashhad.
Protesters were seen raising the pre-1979 Lion and Sun flag and chanting "Javid Shah" ("long live the king"), while counter-protests featured the burning of US and Israeli flags. The demonstrations appear to honor those killed during last month's government crackdown, with the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) reporting at least 7,015 deaths, including 226 children. Iranian authorities, however, claim the majority of the 3,100 reported deaths were security personnel or bystanders.
Diplomatic tensions and human rights concerns
The renewed protests highlight ongoing unrest in Iran, where authorities continue to face criticism over human rights abuses. Trump has previously voiced support for protesters, even suggesting that "help is on the way" during earlier demonstrations. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts persist, with Oman expressing optimism about progress toward a nuclear deal.
As tensions escalate, both sides remain locked in a high-stakes standoff, with military pressure and diplomatic negotiations unfolding in parallel. The coming days may prove decisive in determining whether a resolution can be achieved or if the situation will escalate further.
