Middle East & Beyond
April 14, 2025
The world is increasingly waking up to the dangerous consequences of a diplomatic approach that softens on the Middle East’s most intransigent regimes. Steve Witkoff—Trump’s appointed White House Special Envoy to the Middle East—has repeatedly revealed his unsuitability for the job. His recent Fox News appearance confirmed that the Trump Administration is no longer demanding the total denuclearization of Iran or the complete dismantling of its nuclear program. Instead, Witkoff has signaled that the U.S. is prepared to impose limits on Iran’s enrichment of uranium and the weaponization of its nuclear program—essentially echoing the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal that Trump once vehemently rejected.
This policy pivot is not just a minor adjustment—it is a dangerous departure from the uncompromising stance that has kept Tehran in check for years. The Iranians are no amateurs; they are strategic titans. Iran’s leadership, inheriting the legacy of empires past, understands power in ways that the West, and especially someone like Witkoff, cannot grasp. They have mastered the arts of negotiation, manipulation, and psychological warfare. To settle for limits on enrichment rather than total denuclearization is to concede to a regime that has, time and again, used its nuclear program as both bargaining chip and tool of regional intimidation.
A Proponent of Controversial Alliances
Witkoff’s statements regarding Hamas are equally alarming. In his public remarks, he downplayed the threat posed by Hamas—describing it as “an ideological idea” rather than unequivocally identifying it as the terrorist organization it is. Hamas is responsible for mass killings, brutal attacks on Israeli civilians, and unspeakable acts of violence. To suggest that Hamas could ever have a political future if it merely disarmed is not only naive, it is dangerous. Equally troubling is his praise of Qatar, a nation that actively funds and shelters Hamas leadership. By ignoring these fundamental realities, Witkoff is signaling a policy of appeasement that will endanger Israel’s security and destabilize the region.
A Repeat of Failed Diplomacy
History has shown us that diplomacy based on appeasement and compromise with enemies—especially those like Hamas and Iran—never leads to lasting peace. Previous attempts, such as the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal, have demonstrated that temporary fixes only embed deeper risks and encourage further intransigence. Witkoff’s approach is a tragic echo of those failed policies. Instead of understanding the deep-rooted ideologies, the strategic calculations of key regional players, and the brutal realities on the ground, he chooses empty promises and half-measures.
While Israel stands as a stalwart ally with uncompromising security needs, the U.S. is treating it as a mere bargaining chip. As former Ambassador David Friedman explains in his book Sledgehammer: How Breaking the Rules of Engagement Led to the Death of the Global Order, Israel has become integral to U.S.-Saudi relations—both as a strategic partner and as a trade chip. Trump’s earlier push for normalization through the Abraham Accords demonstrated just how deeply U.S. interests are intertwined with Israeli security. Now, with Witkoff’s softening stance, Israel risks being sidelined at a moment when it is needed most.
The Bigger Picture: Danger on Multiple Fronts
Witkoff’s dangerous shift is compounded by his reported closeness to Putin’s regime—a regime whose influence over Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah has repeatedly destabilized the Middle East. His rhetoric and actions increasingly align with Moscow’s interests rather than those of America’s enduring allies. This is not merely a diplomatic miscalculation; it represents a profound departure from American values and the principles of freedom and democracy.
While the U.S. should stand firm against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, it is now considering a deal that dangerously mimics past concessions. As Iran continues to fund and arm terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, it must be held fully accountable—not given room to enrich and rearm under the pretense of “limits.”
The Urgent Call to Correct the Course
For months, I warned that Steve Witkoff is the wrong man for the job—a sentiment echoed by many who understand that Iran’s leaders are far more sophisticated and ruthless than any Western diplomat can comprehend. His inability to recognize the fundamental threat posed by Hamas, his admiring nod to Qatar, and his cozy rapport with Putin betray a policy of appeasement that will only invite further chaos.
I have pleaded with the Church, written extensively, and even called for prayer to see him removed from this crucial role. His very presence, his misguided approach, risks not just diplomatic fallout but also the prophetic consequences of breaking the eternal covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The time for compromise with terror and deception is long past. We must stand for strong, uncompromising leadership that aligns with truth and divine mandate.
Conclusion: A Call for Resolute Action
The dangerous diplomacy of Steve Witkoff is a clear signal that the current course is unsustainable. If the U.S. is to maintain its leadership in the Middle East, if Israel is to remain secure, and if regional stability is to be restored, a drastic course correction is needed—one that involves removing those whose policies compromise the nation’s core values.
The stakes could not be higher. As I write this article, I am reminded of the deep spiritual cost of weakness on the world stage. We must not allow one misguided envoy to undermine our legacy or endanger the covenant promises that have sustained nations for millennia. It’s time to demand the leadership our world needs.
Sources for Further Reading:
• U.S. Softens Position on Iranian Uranium Enrichment – Wall Street Journal
• Reuters: Trump Says Iran Must Give Up Its Nuclear Ambitions
• The Arabian Post: $1 Trillion Investment Deal for U.S.-Saudi Relations
• The Guardian: Iran’s Nuclear Stockpile Debate
• Newsweek: Trump Official Lays Down the Red Line Ahead of Iran Nuclear Talks
• Thomas Friedman, “Thank You for Being Late” (NYT Columns on Israel-Palestine)]
• David Friedman, Sledgehammer: How Breaking the Rules of Engagement Led to the Death of the Global Order]
As I write this article, I’m leaving Mexico, flying back to Dallas-Fort Worth. Looking through the window at the deep blue ocean, I find myself praying for this nation to experience revival. My spirit is agonizing for the souls of men. My heart is in pain—as it was while writing these very lines. A familiar feeling returns: the eternal déjà vu of what happens when nations break covenant with the Eternal and violate His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.