Morgan Ortagus, former envoy under President Trump, has expressed caution regarding Iran’s approach to nuclear negotiations. Speaking after a Middle East Forum in Washington, Ortagus indicated Iran might be using the talks to delay actions against them. She mentioned that Iran often employs negotiations to gain time and maintain strategic leverage.
Ortagus advised President Trump to avoid the usual Iranian stalling tactics and emphasized the importance of not getting trapped in prolonged discussions. She noted that Trump has recently put military strikes on hold and extended talks under pressure from Gulf allies. Despite this, the administration remains firm on holding Iran accountable for its nuclear agenda.
“I’m always hopeful in President Trump’s ability to give his negotiating team leverage,” Ortagus stated, asserting that the current team has more influence than previous ones.
The United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 due to concerns that it inadequately curtailed Iran’s nuclear goals. Ortagus remains confident in Trump’s approach to negotiations, highlighting his ultimate control over military and diplomatic decisions.
Iran continues to assert its right to a civilian nuclear program, rejecting demands to halt uranium enrichment. Western governments and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have voiced concerns over Iran’s enrichment levels and transparency issues.
Within the U.S., some conservatives urge caution to avoid increased military involvement in the Middle East. Ortagus differentiated the current situation from past prolonged conflicts, advocating a balance of diplomacy and forceful action when necessary.
The discussion coincides with U.S. efforts to stabilize the Israel-Lebanon border. Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, tensions persist with continued exchanges between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. Ortagus emphasized the need to address Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon, considering its ties to Iran.
Similar sentiments were shared by other officials, including Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter. The ongoing negotiations are complicated by ceasefire violations, but there is a mutual interest in stability between Lebanon and Israel, as long as Hezbollah’s dominance is curtailed.