In a significant diplomatic update, the US State Department on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, enhancing regional stability, and preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, as negotiations between the US and Iran move forward.
Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, addressing a press briefing, said,
“There is a constant, regular commitment to Gaza, to the Gazan people, certainly to one of our strongest—if not most stalwart—ally, Israel… We are working constantly to have a ceasefire and to change the trajectory on the ground. That has not stopped.”
She also welcomed the appointment of Ambassador Mike Huckabee as the new US Ambassador to Israel, describing it as a step forward in strengthening ties with Israel.
Strong Stance on Antisemitism
Bruce also used the occasion to address rising antisemitism globally, stating,
“As antisemitism surges around the world, our message to Jewish communities remains unchanged: The United States stands with you. We will fight antisemitism with unwavering determination.”
On Iran: “A Trump Deal or No Deal”
Regarding the latest developments with Iran, Bruce confirmed that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff recently met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman, under the mediation of the Omani foreign minister. She quoted Witkoff as saying:
“A deal with Iran will only be completed if it is a Trump deal… Any final arrangement must set a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East—meaning that Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponisation programme.”
She stressed that the sole objective of these discussions is to ensure Iran never acquires nuclear weapons, echoing previous Trump administration policies.
“That is the one thing that we know that they’re working on. And I think we’ll have some success, considering who we’re addressing,” Bruce added.
White House Reinforces Iran Strategy
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump personally spoke with the Sultan of Oman on Tuesday, thanking him for hosting the landmark meeting between the US and Iran.
Leavitt reiterated:
“The maximum pressure campaign on Iran continues… The President has made it clear—he wants to see dialogue and discussion with Iran while making his directive about Iran never being able to obtain nuclear weapons quite clear.”
The two sides are expected to meet again this Saturday, as announced in the White House’s official communication.