How Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff Sabotaged the U.S. Strike on Iran
As JD Vance and Marco Rubio prepared to unleash fire on Tehran, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff staged a backroom intervention. By falling for a last-minute Iranian text message, these "real estate diplomats" have effectively neutered Trump’s ‘smoking gun’ evidence, leaving regional allies wondering: who is actually running U.S. foreign policy?
As tensions simmer between the United States and Iran amid ongoing protests in Tehran and threats of escalation, a report from Israeli media has revealed a split within President Donald Trump's inner circle regarding a possible military strike on the Islamic Republic.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, most of Trump's key advisers and cabinet members favor military action, while only a handful, including Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, are advocating for restraint and diplomacy.
The report, first detailed by Israel Hayom, highlights that proponents of a strike include Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who are said to view military options as necessary to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
This stance comes amid U.S. intelligence obtained with Israeli assistance, described as "smoking gun" evidence against Iran's activities.
However, Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a former senior adviser, along with Witkoff, a real estate developer turned diplomat, have reportedly pushed back, emphasizing diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation.
Recent events underscore the high stakes involved. Late last week, Trump's advisers were reportedly on the verge of recommending strikes, but a last-minute message relayed by Witkoff from Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reassuring that executions of protesters had been halted, prompted the president to stand down.
This development followed Trump's earlier threats of "very strong action" if Iran proceeded with such measures, reflecting his close monitoring of the protests.
The internal divisions mirror broader mixed signals from the Trump administration on Iran policy. While some officials, including U.S. Central Command head Brad Cooper, have presented military options, others highlight the preference for diplomacy to avoid a wider conflict.
Regional allies, including Arab nations and Israel, have urged caution, with some pushing for Trump to hold off on strikes to allow time for negotiations.
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has publicly called on Trump to follow through with action, adding pressure from opposition figures.
Trump's approach remains unpredictable, consistent with his past foreign policy style. In a recent Truth Social post, he alluded to tariffs on European countries amid unrelated tensions, but on Iran, he has reiterated instructions to "obliterate" the country if it poses direct threats, such as assassination attempts against him.
Analysts note that while hawks dominate the advisory circle, the influence of moderates like Kushner and Witkoff could steer toward a deal, especially if Trump sees an opportunity for a nuclear agreement.
This debate unfolds against a backdrop of expanded U.S. diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, including Trump's "board of peace" initiative, originally focused on Gaza but now potentially broadening to address Iran.
As of now, security officials warn that a decision could come within days if tensions escalate further.
The White House has not commented directly on the internal discussions.