US Threatens 'All Options on the Table' for Iran

By Amir Daftari

resident Donald Trump's efforts to engage with Iran on a possible nuclear agreement reflect an attempt to avoid conflict, according to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Witkoff said that Washington prefers a diplomatic resolution over military confrontation.

Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and Iran's Foreign Ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have remained high since Trump reinstated harsh sanctions aimed at crippling Iran's economy. The U.S. views Iran's nuclear program as a direct threat, while Tehran insists its efforts are for peaceful purposes. The standoff has led to military escalations in the past.

A return to negotiations could ease tensions and prevent further conflict in the Middle East. However, Iran remains skeptical of U.S. intentions, particularly after Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement.

What to Know

Witkoff reiterated Washington's preference for a diplomatic solution, stating that war is not the desired course of action. "We don't need to solve everything militarily," he said, emphasizing that the U.S. is willing to engage in negotiations. He added that diplomacy remains the best path forward but warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to a more dangerous alternative.

U.S. Maintains Pressure

Separately on Sunday, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz took a more hardline position towards Tehran. Speaking on CBS News, Watlz reinforced Washington's demand for Iran to fully dismantle its nuclear program. He stated that "all options are on the table" and that Tehran must abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Earlier in March, Trump confirmed he had sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, outlining two potential outcomes for Iran: "militarily, or you make a deal." The letter underscored Washington's willingness to negotiate but also reinforced Trump's firm stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Khamenei Rejects U.S. Overture

Khamenei dismissed the U.S. offer, calling it "a deception" aimed at further tightening sanctions. Iran has long argued that Washington's negotiations come with strings attached, designed to weaken Tehran rather than offer a fair agreement. Despite this, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran would formally respond to Trump's letter, acknowledging both the "threats and opportunities" it presented.

White House national security adviser Mike Waltz gestures to Fox News host and President Donald Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, after speaking with her at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Ben Curtis/AP Photo

What People Are Saying

Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy said: "We don't need to solve everything militarily. Our signal to Iran is let's sit down and see if we can, through dialogue, through diplomacy, get to the right place. If we can, we are prepared to do that. And if we can't, the alternative is not a great alternative."

Mike Waltz, White House National Security Adviser warned: "Iran has to give up its programme in a way that the entire world can see. As President Trump has said, this is coming to a head. All options are on the table and it is time for Iran to walk away completely from its desire to have a nuclear weapon."

What Happens Next

Despite keeping the door open for negotiations, Trump has reintroduced his "maximum pressure" strategy, aiming to curtail Iran's oil exports. Since returning to office, his administration has imposed four rounds of sanctions targeting Tehran's energy sector.