DAVOS: Iran must come and sit at the diplomatic table, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff told Arab News on Wednesday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
“That has to happen. It’s important. If Iran goes, so the region goes, and so we have to get that straight,” the envoy said.
Since the outbreak of anti-government demonstrations, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Iran’s leaders to halt the violent crackdown on protesters, vowing “very strong action” if executions go ahead. He has also called on Iranians to keep demonstrating and “take over institutions,” declaring that “help is on the way.”
Although Trump has so far stepped back from direct military intervention (at least since June’s attack on Iranian nuclear facilities), tensions remain high and a diplomatic breakthrough has proved elusive. On Tuesday, Davos organizers announced that the invitation to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had been rescinded, citing “the tragic loss of lives of civilians in Iran over the past few weeks.”
Araghchi condemned the move, accusing the forum of “blatant double standards” and of bowing to Western pressure. The decision came as the newly created Gaza peace board drew mixed reactions from governments already wary of further inflaming regional sensitivities.
