Israel in Panic that Iran may be Capable of Producing Industrial-grade Bombs
Iran is about a week away from having the ability to make industrial-grade bombs, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff told Fox News on Saturday.
"They're probably a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material. And that's really dangerous. So they can't have that," Witkoff said in a conversation with host Lara Trump.
In the candid interview, Witkoff also said Trump wasn't exactly upset about Tehran's unwillingness to reach a deal, but more "curious."
"I don't want to use the word frustrated," he stated, offering a rare glimpse into Trump's decision-making process on the issue.
"It's curious. He's curious as to why they haven't capitulated ... under this sort of pressure, with the amount of sea power, naval power that we have over there."
Witkoff restated Trump's previous commitment to "zero enrichment" by Tehran in any future deal. "There have been some very hard red lines drawn," he said. Trump, however, is reportedly considering an Iranian proposal that would allow so‑called “token” uranium enrichment.
According to the report, the Trump administration is open to a limited compromise, as long as it can be verified that any uranium enrichment is purely civilian and cannot be used as a stepping‑stone toward nuclear weapons development.
The special envoy also pointed to domestic pressure in Iran as another factor in the administration's decision-making process on Iran. Protests resurfaced on Iranian streets on Saturday as students from several universities across the country rallied against the Islamic regime.
Addressing the exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, and his potential role in a new regime in Iran, Witkoff said Pahlavi "cares about his country" but that at the end of the day, the country's future will depend on "President Trump's policies, not Mr. Pahlavi's policies," adding that Trump "is interested in hearing everyone's views."
BoP funds to get Gaza 'ready for a renaissance'
Witkoff went on to reveal ambitious plans for Gaza’s reconstruction, highlighting the Trump administration's commitment to transform the region with a massive $17 billion investment.
Reflecting on Thursday's inaugural meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace in Washington, Witkoff said it was "uplifting" to see such progress made on Gaza. "Who would ever have thought that we'd get to this place a year ago?" he said in his conversation with host Lara Trump.
The special envoy expressed optimism about the future of the Palestinian enclave following the US-backed ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025, and stressed the potential impact that US President Donald Trump's vision could have on the socio-economic recovery of the entire region.
Asked where the newly pledged funds would be directed, Witkoff said they would be used to launch mass housing and transportation projects.
"We're going to be able to clear and demolish all the areas there and get it ready for a renaissance. And I think this is just the beginning, Lara," he said. "I think today it's 17 [billion], tomorrow it could be 34 [billion]," he continued, noting that the future of the Middle East will largely depend on the unfolding situation in Iran.
'It’s a silly war'
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Witkoff emphasized the leadership challenges and territorial disputes that continue to hinder peace talks. "It’s a silly war," Witkoff said, referring to the conflict's focus on territory, despite the significant human toll. He identified the major holdup in the negotiations as territory and security guarantees, as both sides grapple with what Witkoff called “dignity,” a term he questioned in light of the ongoing violence.
Despite these hurdles, Witkoff expressed cautious optimism, noting that efforts to bring the two sides together had yielded positive results. “They don’t seem like they really want to fight with one another,” he said. The special envoy said he hopes that upcoming proposals could finally bridge the gap, potentially leading to a summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
'I saw a tear in [Trump's] eye'
Trump's envoy and close friend highlighted the significant role the president has played in shifting international diplomacy. He attributed much of the success of the US peace initiatives to the president’s personal leadership. “What presidency has ever done this much in four years, or even eight years? But he's done it in 11 months,” he said.
Finally, Witkoff spoke about the return of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and the impact that had on the president. “None of them were going to come home without him,” Witkoff argued. "I told this story ... about how the 20 hostage families came in, and I saw a tear in your father-in-law's eye," he added, referencing the family connection between the host and the president
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