US Envoy Witkoff Advances Gaza Ceasefire, Hostage Talks in Qatar

President Donald Trump has emphasized continued U.S. support for Ukraine through ongoing weapons transfers, despite uncertainties about how this impacts peace talks with Russia, while insiders note that only US envoy Steve Witkoff advocates maintaining dialogue with Putin, focusing on economic incentives. Witkoff is also actively engaged in Middle East diplomacy, scheduled to participate in proximity talks in Qatar between Israel and Hamas aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, with Trump setting a deadline for a deal by the week's end. The White House has presented an "agreeable and appropriate" ceasefire proposal, supported by Israel but met with reservations from Hamas, which are currently being negotiated. Additionally, Witkoff is set to lead a new round of nuclear talks with Iran, following recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, though Trump remains skeptical of their purpose given his belief that Iran's program has been largely destroyed. Trump asserts that the recent military actions have shifted Iran's mindset and increased its respect for the U.S. and Israel, drawing historical parallels to World War II atomic bombings as a means to stop fighting. Overall, the Trump administration is pursuing a multifaceted diplomatic approach involving arms support, negotiation efforts with Russia, Iran, and Middle Eastern actors to address ongoing conflicts.