Witcaf: We haven’t negotiated with Iran so far

White House envoy for West Asian affairs, Steve Witekaf, attended reporters on Thursday evening, addressing many issues such as Iran, the Ukrainian War and a ceasefire in Gaza.

“This will be a good meeting,” Witakaf said at the beginning of his speech about the planned meeting between Ukraine and US delegations in Saudi Arabia next week. Russia also calls for an agreement. President (Trump) is the person who will create peace through the power of peace. He is looking for peace. “

“I have heard reports,” he said in response to reports of US intelligence aid to Ukraine. But I hope we will soon be able to resume cooperation with Ukraine. “

“We are consulting on the delegations present at the meeting,” Witakaf also said of those present at the Ukrainian peace talks that will be held next week in Saudi Arabia.

“Our message to Hamas was that we demand the release of captives,” the White House also said of the Gaza war and a ceasefire in the Strip and the US and Hamas negotiations. We will not tolerate such inhumane conditions. Who holds the bodies? “This behavior is unacceptable and Trump will not tolerate it.”

Responding to a question about the possibility of President Waldimir Zelksky’s return to the White House after his dispute with US President Donald Trump, he said: “There is a way to return and President (Trump) has identified it. Zelnsky has apologized and has now clarified his wishes for peace. “Trump calls for peace, the halt to the killing and the world better.”

“This agreement is based on the May 2 proposal,” Witcaf said of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The Palestinian return to Gaza is an illusion. You have to see the reality. Gaza’s reconstruction takes two to three years. This area is very dangerous. “We will make better decisions so that all parties are satisfied.”

“We want the release of all captives, but Trump’s focus is on American citizens,” he said again. He cares about all souls. “

“We want peace in Ukraine, the Middle East and all over the world, and we can reach an agreement everywhere,” Witcaf claimed.

Lack of US negotiations with Iran

Responding to a question about negotiating with Iran for the release of American-Israeli prisoners in Gaza, he said, “I have not negotiated directly with the Iranians, and according to my knowledge, none of the US government has negotiated with Iran so far.”

“I always like to travel to Israel,” said the White House, in response to another question about the possibility of traveling to the occupied territories. We are consulting with Israel daily. If necessary, I will travel to Israel. “I will travel to the area next week and visit four countries in the area during this trip.”

Responding to a question about the possibility of military action by the United States against Hamas if the captives were not released, he said, “I can’t talk about it. Talking about such a thing would be a strategic mistake. “We want the release of all the prisoners and the return of all the killed.”

“It is time for Hamas to be responsible, something that is not doing right now,” Witcaf added. Hamas has the opportunity to act reasonably and do the right thing and then leave Gaza. They will not be part of the future government in Gaza. “If they understand this, they will have a way out of the current situation.”

He claimed: “Israel’s will is the same with the US. Israel also calls for the release of all captives. We hope the negotiations will result. “If diplomacy fails, the alternative way will not be attractive to Hamas.”

Witcaf’s retreat from Trump’s plan for Gaza

In response to a question about Trump’s agreement to the Palestinian presence in Gaza, Witakaf said, “We are considering all options.”

He also responded to another question about Russia’s opposition to the presence of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine: “I haven’t heard it. They have opposed the presence of NATO forces in Ukraine. Ukraine and Russia are taking positive actions. “Trump’s strategy is to reduce disputes to reach an agreement.”

“Europe’s opinion is important to Trump,” Witcaf said of the cooperation between the US and Europe. He has hosted Starmer and Macron. “

Earlier, four sources informed that senior US and Ukrainian officials were scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to discuss efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement with Russia.

The meeting will follow, when US and Russian officials met in Riyadh two weeks ago.

An informed source said the meeting was planned on Wednesday’s call between US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Ukrainian President Andrei Yermak.

According to two other sources, the meeting will probably be held in Riyadh, and as Witcaf stated, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the meeting along with Mike Waltz. The Ukrainian delegation will also be led by Yermak.

A source of Ukraine said Zelnski is due to visit Saudi Arabia on Monday and meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday.

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