Trump Appoints Pro-Israel Lobbyist Nick Stewart as Iran Negotiator Despite Opposition to Diplomacy

The Trump administration has appointed Nick Stewart, a prominent Israel lobbyist and former top Capitol Hill operative for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), to advise Steve Witkoff on Iran negotiations. This appointment is significant because Stewart has historically condemned any diplomatic engagement with Iran’s elected leaders, including reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, whom he labels an inveterate enemy. Stewart previously argued that viewing Iranian leadership as honest brokers is dangerous and undermines US security. His selection, reportedly influenced by Jared Kushner, signals a hardline shift in Washington’s approach, effectively consolidating military conflict as the primary option rather than diplomacy. Critics argue that Stewart’s presence, alongside Witkoff’s perceived lack of expertise and deference to Israeli interests, demonstrates to Tehran that the US lacks a genuine intent for peaceful negotiation. The move aligns with the influence of neoconservative groups like the FDD, which has heavily shaped recent US Iran policy. This development raises concerns about the potential for escalated tensions and military confrontation in the region, as the administration appears to reject diplomatic avenues in favor of a more aggressive stance against the Islamic Republic.