Trump swears in special envoy to the Middle East, talks hostages, Iran and Houthis
President Donald Trump’s new special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, was sworn in by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in an Oval Office ceremony on Tuesday. Trump praised Witkoff for his instrumental role in securing an extended ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as well as the successful return of 33 hostages, including two Americans, who were being held by Hamas.
Trump expressed his complete confidence in Witkoff’s ability to secure key deals in foreign diplomacy, citing his experience as a real estate businessman and his reputation as a tough and skilled negotiator. Despite Witkoff’s lack of experience in foreign government relations, Trump commended his quick learning curve and his effectiveness in navigating complex negotiations with world leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and leaders from Iran.
During the ceremony, Trump addressed questions from reporters on various topics, including the recent ceasefire between the U.S. and the Houthis and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. He emphasized the importance of finding and returning the bodies of hostages killed by Hamas, recounting a heartbreaking plea from a couple whose son had died as a hostage.
Trump also discussed the issue of Iran’s potential development of nuclear weapons, stating firmly that Iran will not be allowed to possess such weapons. He expressed his hope for a successful peace deal with Iran while emphasizing the need to prevent them from acquiring nuclear capabilities.
In conclusion, Trump reiterated his support for Witkoff as the special envoy to the Middle East and highlighted the importance of his role in promoting peace and stability in the region. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Witkoff’s diplomatic efforts, and his dedication to resolving conflicts and securing agreements was commended by the president.
