The United States has given Iran a two-week deadline to submit detailed proposals for resolving its nuclear standoff, a U.S. Official stated following talks in Geneva this week, while simultaneously engaging in trilateral discussions with Ukraine and Russia aimed at de-escalating the conflict in Eastern Europe.
Negotiations with Iran, held in Geneva, yielded some “progress,” according to U.S. Officials, but a concrete agreement remains elusive. The U.S. Is seeking specific proposals from Tehran to address remaining gaps in their positions, with the expectation of receiving a written response within the next fourteen days. Iranian Foreign Minister Esmaeil Baqaei indicated that the two sides reached agreement on “guiding principles” for future discussions, but acknowledged further work is necessary.
Parallel to the Iran talks, a U.S. Delegation, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, participated in trilateral discussions with Ukrainian and Russian representatives, also in Geneva. These talks focused on “practical issues” related to the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to Kyiv’s lead negotiator. Discussions are scheduled to continue.
The involvement of military leaders in these diplomatic efforts marks an unusual approach by the Trump administration. Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, has been involved in discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, while Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has taken a key role in negotiations concerning Ukraine. Witkoff and Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on January 22, 2026, according to Kremlin Pool photos released by Sputnik.
Back in Washington, the Department of Homeland Security remains shuttered due to a stalemate over proposed reforms to federal immigration enforcement. The White House rejected a counteroffer from Democrats, with both sides reportedly “pretty far apart” on reaching a compromise. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief of staff James Blair met with members of the President’s Cabinet and Republican strategists to discuss midterm election strategy, with a focus on economic issues such as lowering prescription drug prices.
The U.S. Is navigating a narrow path between diplomatic engagement and the potential for force, particularly concerning Iran. The possibility of strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities remains on the table should negotiations fail to yield satisfactory results within the two-week timeframe.
