U.S. envoy Steve Weitkoff expressed that President Donald Trump is bewildered by the Iranian government’s continued resistance despite significant American military pressure and naval presence. In an interview with Fox News, Weitkoff elaborated on the ongoing challenges in persuading Tehran, noting that while Iranian officials maintain that their nuclear program is peaceful, they are enriching uranium far beyond what is necessary for this stated purpose. He implied that Iran could be only a week away from acquiring materials of sufficient quality to produce a nuclear bomb, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Weitkoff revealed that he has met with former Shah of Iran's son, Reza Pahlavi, at Trump's direction. He characterized Pahlavi as a significant figure who genuinely cares about his country’s future. However, Weitkoff made it clear that the focus remains on President Trump's strategies rather than those of Pahlavi, emphasizing that the outcomes of U.S. policy will hinge on how Trump chooses to proceed with Iran.

The atmosphere among Trump's advisors appears divided, with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham urging caution against airstrikes on Iran. Graham conveyed that many of Trump's close associates are advising him not to escalate tensions through military action, while he also acknowledges their concerns. He warned, however, that avoiding confrontation risks the chance of allowing malign forces to act without any deterrent, revealing a broader debate within the administration about how to approach Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities.