Steve Witkoff:
“The president is curious as to why (Iran) hasn’t capitulated. Why, under this pressure with the amount of naval power over there, haven’t they come to us and said we profess we don’t want a weapon” pic.twitter.com/FuRYqSamkV
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 22, 2026
This confirms what I’ve long suspected: that the military buildup around the Islamic Republic of Iran is not actually an indication of President Donald Trump’s intention to strike the mullahs, as he assured the pro-freedom protestors that he would do. Instead, he is simply trying to overawe the Iranian rulers into submission. In this, he betrays yet again a total ignorance of the mindset and goals of the rulers of the Islamic Republic. He could put the entire American military around Iran, and the mullahs wouldn’t give up their desire to destroy Israel and gain hegemony over the Middle East, as these are jihad imperatives based on what the mullahs think are divine commands. They aren’t negotiable, and aren’t subject to threats. The Iranians may back off for awhile and await a more opportune time, but that’s about the best that Trump and Witkoff can reasonably expect. The willful ignorance regarding Islam is deeply disappointing coming from the Trump administration, as Trump indicated years ago that he had some awareness of the jihad threat. But no more.
somehistory says
The muzzie mullahs are experienced at bragging, boasting and threatening without follow through. That’s how they read the military buildup.
witless koff is so very stupid.
Ernie says
Stupid and greedy , and projecting that on the mullah-regime . The Trump administration has no clue concerning the mullahs mindset and concerning that should listen to Israëli generals how to handle the situation . Being big doesn’t bring the wishes success ; being smart does .
Ernie says
The wished success , sorry , spellingcontrol in overdrive .
Hank says
“Stupid and greedy”
I guess a lucrative deal hasn’t come through yet and silly statements like ‘The president is curious as to why (Iran) hasn’t capitulated’ come forth. Oh well, the 2 yoyos Witkoff and Kushner will just have to wait for a deal. All very tragicomical.
“The willful ignorance regarding Islam is deeply disappointing”
They live in a bubble and don’t know what Islam is or take the time to read what is already written in the cults book called Quran.
Gathering so much power in one place may not be very smart. The momentum to help the brave demonstrations against the Islamic occupation of Iran is slipping away. The window of opportunity is instead filled with those 2 yoyos Witkoff and Kushner who are not diplomats but businessmen. No boots on the ground would be needed if the momentum of the Iranian people were joined. I think it is up to Israel now as they are the one’s most affected by the Mullahs.
Rob Porter says
somehistory. You are right, Witkoff is what I always thought he was, a stupid gutless wonder. Because of Trump’s mushy actions, his pitiful 2-day attack on Iran and his empty threats of ‘all hell breaking loose,’ the Iranian regime doesn’t believe that the U.S. has the guts to use its military power. Neither do I. They now consider Trump a sack of hot air and spineless.
Taffy says
The Ayatollah may see himself and the IRGC as Shaheed or Muslim martyrs. After the U.S. lights him up, Allah will see that he is a Martyr and he will be taken to Muzzie Paradise/Heaven immediately. It is the only guaranteed way in Islam for a Muslim to get into Heaven.
I am sure that Trump wants this overwhelming buildup so that the US can hit the Iranian’s full complement of missile launchers simultaneously to preempt a massive launch against US bases and Israel.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
Oh, he himself doesn’t want to be a shaheed, which is why he has been in hiding and w/ extra security than most others in the leadership. That’s the thing about these jihadist leaders: somehow, they don’t seem to have bought into the fantasies of that great bordello in the sky. It’s also why he had been trying to get asylum in Moscow, although I believe that the Russians might have decided that there’s nothing to be gained by doing that
As for Trump, I have no idea anymore what he believes. But those in Iran who’re buying into the narrative that the US is preparing to liberate them are in for a disappointment. If they want to oust this regime, they have to do it, even violently if necessary. Problem is that as per GAMAAN, 68% of Iranians are against resorting to violence in ousting their regime. That only guarantees that the regime won’t be ousted
Ringo says
I agree about the “Do as I say, not what I do” shaheed connection. I also understand that when the Colonists were itching to break out from under British rule, only about 20% were all in to do so with force if necessary. And only 3% carried arms. Day to day Freedom, where little exists, is a rowdy mustang.
jewdog says
It’s amateur hour featuring Trump’s clown show foreign policy team, starring Steve Witlesskoff. At least Rubio is sensible, but one wise man can’t do it all. Maybe the Mullahs can be persuaded to buy some Florida condos and simply move, but somehow I doubt it.
James Lincoln says
Pres. Trump doesn’t need a Steve Witkoff.
He needs a John Guandolo.
Wellington says
+1
Ugly 312 says
Now that Witkoff has stated that the Iranians are a week or so away from.being able to enrich uranium to weapons grade things may change.
I hope so for America and Israel, but mostly for the poor people who just want to be free from the Basij, and all the other oppression that the Mullahs bring to their own beautiful people.
Keys says
Agree.
The existential issue for Israel, and the primary issue for the USA, is Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons coupled with the means to deliver them (ultrasonic missiles, etc.).
However, destroying both those capabilities will not solve the existential issue. As long as this Islamic regime survives, they will reemerge to pursue those goals. This is the point of Spencer’s post here.
Tragically, without troops on the ground to annihilate the Basij and the IRGC, the regime will survive. Currently, the “protestors” do not have the means to accomplish this. If they arise without sufficient arms and coordinated organization/leadership, they will be slaughtered by the tens of thousands.
Even with well trained, well armed, and technologically advanced invading ground troops, eliminating the entrenched regime fighters will be a formidable task. Even given the likely support of up to 80% of the Iranians who want regime change, destruction and fighting very similar to what happened with the Israeli fighting in Gaza is highly likely.
WitlessKoff says
It is t possible to detour their nuclear program any longer. The big bunker busters are gone. A hand full left and they are made in very small numbers.
Many administratorns didn’t prepare for this by having 100 in hand.
Iran had all the leverage.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
Here is the explanation for Witkoff. While leading members of the islamic regime may know that the US and Israel by themselves are harmless to Iran if the latter doesn’t threaten them, their supporters, which may be upto 20% of the population, doesn’t! So the issue that the islamic regime has is that if they agree to what the US and Israel are demanding, not only will they not gain the support of the 80% of Iranians who now hate them: they’ll lose the support of the remaining 20% that are their supporters, and get lynched as well
That said, if the US sent that major armada just to hope that Iran chickens out, it was a pretty expensive and idiotic move by this administration. Also, the shifting deadlines every week just show them as the exact opposite of the decisive group that they were in Trump 45, when there were sudden and instantaneous attacks, whether on Syria after the chemical weapons attack or the killings of al Baghdadi and Qassem Soleimani. What they are doing is exactly how not to conduct an operation
Nick says
The military leaders and the administration need to seek advice from Robert Spencer and Hugh Fitzgerald. Then perhaps they might gain a better understanding of how the muzzies think.
The trouble is, we in the west struggle to get our heads around the way they view the world. We all just need to remember that, to the muzzie, death is an honor and a powerful motivator to carry out horrific acts against humanity.
DavidW says
Perhaps the Iranian government knows there are too many demoncrats and others who will fight Trump tooth and nail to prevent him from being successful.
Ralph says
David: I think you have nailed it. Too much opposition at home and too much uncharacteristic waffling by our President. The Mullahs believe nothing will happen to them.
ploome says
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s beliefs on the “end times” are deeply rooted in Shi’ite Islamic theology, specifically Twelverism, which is the predominant belief system of Iran’s leadership.
Key elements of this belief include:
Messianic-type belief in the Hidden Imam: Shi’ite theology emphasizes the belief in the return of the Hidden Imam, a messianic-like figure who they believe will appear in a violent, apocalyptic scenario to bring justice and establish a righteous rule.
………………………they want the apocalypse
Tony says
Dumb Trump and our Western Leaders are truly imbeciles in defending against any of the 50+ Islamic Countries, terrorist enemies of all Non-Muslims, as taught in Islam’s Qur’an(Qur’an 9:5, 29, 111; 49:15, etc.). Islam’s Muslim want to die for their jihad to make Islam supreme. So, the West must grant Islam’s Muslims their wish, a win-win, to keep Non-Muslims safer from Muslim attacks.
BASICALLY, ISLAM IS A WAY OF LIFE, THE DAILY PRACTICE OF ISLAMIC LAW(Qur’an 1:5; 3:51,101; 5:48, etc.). ISLAM IS ANTICHRIST, AHISTORICAL, DECEITFUL, MILITARISTIC, AND POLITICAL continuously against the USA Constitution and Western Laws to conquer and to subjugate Non-Muslims using MUSLIM-TERRORIST-CRIMINAL-GANG ENTERPRISES with ISLAMIC LAW(SHARIA) and with CONTINUOUS, TERROR PROPAGANDA from Islam’s Qur’an as evidenced by the continuous Muslim attacks to make Islam supreme(Qur’an 2:191; 3:28, 54; 4:89-91; 7:99; 8:30, 60; 9:5, 29,111; 16:106; 45:18; 47:4, etc.). Islam, a subversive enemy of Non-Muslims, teaches, incites, and promotes murder, lies, deceit, accusations, and slander against Non-Muslims as taught in Islam’s Qur’an.
Deceitful Allah affirms Non-Muslims as enemies of Allah while Muslims continuously undermine a society from within using their man-made Qur’an with lies, obfuscation, and deceit(Qur’an 2:225; 3:54; 7:99; 8:30; 60:4, etc.). Allah in Qur’an 4:101 says, “…Surely the infidels[Non-Muslims] were your clear enemies.” Allah expects all Muslim believers to war against all non-Muslims until the Unbelievers convert to Islam or face Muslim violence. Corrupt Allah in Qur’an 8:39 says, “And engage in war with them[Non-Muslims] until there will not be sedition and the religion will be completely to Allah…” As a result, Non-Muslims are marked for death by Islam and its Muslims.
Worthless Islam is a civilization-destroying, delusional, indoctrinating, cancerous fraud because there is NO MECCA, NO MUHAMMAD, and NO Qur’an in the 7th century AD in Saudi Arabia despite the Muslim Standard Islamic Narrative claims; the Deceitful House of Islam is founded on propaganda, lies, intimidation, and deceit where Islam’s 1400-year traditions are based on fallacy and myth including a more than 300-year gap with no documented history. Hence, NEVER give money to Islamic Countries, Islamic Organizations, Mosques, Islamic Schools, etc. because your are funding your ultimate destruction. Islam must be banned as illegal, and we have the legal right to defend ourselves from Muslim violence.
Islam’s Muslims are to be Seditionist Terrorists for Allah with their MONEY and their LIVES. Allah in Qur’an 49:15 teaches, “Surely the believers[Muslims] are only those who believed in Allah and his messenger. They do not doubt, and they performed jihad with their MONEY and their LIVES for the sake of Allah. Those are the truthful.” Again, Islam is a FACTITIOUS IDEOLOGY and CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION despicably fabricated over time into the 21sth century, and there is NO PEACE only genocidal obliteration with Islam and its deceitful Muslims(Qur’an 4:89; 7:18; 8:39: 9:5, 29, 111; 11:119; 32:13; 47:4, etc.).
Demonic ALLAH claims MUSLIMS are a greater TERROR than serpentine Allah in Islam’s Qur’an. Allah in Qur’an 59:13 says, “You[Muslims] are a greater terror in their chests than Allah. This is because they[Jews & Christians] are people who do not understand.” Allah in Qur’an 9:29 commands, “Engage in war with those who do not believe in Allah nor in the last day. Nor forbid what Allah and his messenger forbid, nor believe in the religion of the truth among those who have given the book until they pay the jizyah out of hand and they are subdued.”
Totalitarian Islam, its Mosques, its Schools, its Sharia Courts, its Organizations, etc. are Terrorist-Criminal Enterprises of hatred and enmity against all Non-Muslims as totalitarian Islam, the House of Satan, islamizes the society with impunity(Qur’an 2:225; 5:14, 64; 60:4; 9:5, 29, 111, etc.). As taught from Islam’s Qur’an, Islam should be banned for its incitement, funding, and promotion of hybrid warfare, violence, terrorism, criminality, hatred, human trafficking, and discrimination against women, children, and Non-Muslims.
Hateful Allah describes Muslim women in Jenna, Allah’s Paradise, as whores of Allah in Qur’an 56:37. Also, Allah stirs hatred, cursing, and punishment against Christians until the resurrection day as Qur’an 5:14 instructs, “And some of those who say, ‘Surely we are Nasara (Christians),’ we took their covenant. So they have forgotten a part of what they were reminded of, so we have stirred up ENMITY and HATRED among them until the resurrection day. And Allah will inform them of what they were doing.” See also Qur’an 2:225; 60:4; 8:55.
Walter Sieruk says
The reason why those Muslim despots of Iran have capitulated “no matter what” is because they basely function by blind unquestioning faith in Islam and not reason.. This many Westerners just don’t understand.
For example,, about eight years ago sent a message to , the then , senator Arlen Spector about the need strong sanctions and sending support to the opponents of that hostile Islamic regime of Iran.
Later a reply an internet letter came from his office and it explained “That during the cold war with the Soviets negotiations worked with the Soviets so it should work the the rulers of Iran. ”
That “answer” revealed that the senator did’t understand that Communists are more rational then those Islamic faith -minded Muslim tyrants of Iran with their strong believe in a coming Mahdi who will conquer the world for Islam .
In other words, that Communist might respond to reason those Islamic faith blinded Muslims in power in Iran will not .
OLD GUY says
These leaders of Iran and other muslim countries may not care how many of their citizens die. But I’ll bet they care about protecting themselves and their wealth. Then again these islamic leaders maybe willing to die for what they believe. I guess we will find out soon enough.
Walter Sieruk says
Those Muslim tyrants who are still in power in that hostile Islamic regime of Iran haven’t capitulated to the demands put forth by President Trump to discontinue in their pursuit of obtaining nuclear weapons is because Qu ‘ran that instruct in deadly violence for the cause of Islam. As found in ,for example Surah 2:191. 4:89.. 5:33. 9:5, 111,112 ,123. 47:4.
As If Ayatollah Khomeini had clearly announced that “Those who know nothing about Islam pretend that Islam counsels against war…. There are hundreds psalms and hadiths urging of Muslims to value war and to fight. …I spit upon those foolish souls who make such a claim.” [1]
As the official of that belligerent and confrontational tyrannical Islamic id “The Islamic Republic of Iran .” For very foundation of the aggressive Islamic tyranny. Likewise, its dictator’s fundamentalist follower of Islam. As already explained above Islam is a violently bellicose religion. Islam is based on blind unquestioning absolute faith and not reason and logic. That is why that dictators of Iran will no cease in the jihadist /Islamic goal of the construction of nuclear weapons, no matter how many logical reasons that President trump had put forth.
[1] THE ISLAM IN ISLAMIC TERRORISM by Ibn Warraq page 339.
Dave says
If the Shi’a 12er Mullahs await the Armageddon that ushers in the Mahdi, doesn’t the President understand that threatening to unleash Armageddon is welcomed?
ploome says
exactly
nicholas william tesdorf says
Witkoff is a Dummkopf. He should read the Qur’an.