Trump's Geneva Gambit: Can Dual Crisis Talks Deliver Peace?
In a bold diplomatic maneuver that has raised eyebrows across the international community, President Donald Trump has tasked his key envoys with simultaneously tackling two of the world's most complex crises in a single day in Geneva.
The high-stakes shuttle diplomacy on February 17, led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, saw American negotiators juggling talks on Iran's nuclear program and Russia's war in Ukraine within hours of each other in the Swiss city.
A Day of Diplomatic Juggling
The carefully orchestrated diplomatic dance began with Iran talks, where the US team engaged in three and a half hours of indirect discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, mediated by Oman. While both sides indicated modest progress, no breakthrough appeared imminent in the longstanding nuclear dispute.
Without pause, the American delegates transitioned from Iran negotiations at Oman's diplomatic mission to the five-star Intercontinental hotel for Russia-Ukraine talks, addressing a conflict Trump had boldly promised to resolve "in a day" during his 2024 campaign.
Questions Over Strategy
The unconventional approach has sparked debate among foreign policy experts about its effectiveness and wisdom.
"Trump seems more focused on quantity over quality instead of the difficult detailed work of diplomacy," observed Brett Bruen, a former Obama administration foreign policy adviser who now heads the Global Situation Room strategic consultancy. "Tackling both issues at the same time in the same place doesn't make a lot of sense."
Regional officials have expressed skepticism about the dual agenda's sincerity. A source close to Iran's leadership, speaking anonymously, told Reuters: "The approach risks overstretch. It resembles an emergency room with two critically ill patients and a single doctor unable to give either case sustained attention."
The Envoys Under Scrutiny
Critics have questioned whether Witkoff and Kushner, both from Trump's New York real estate world, possess the diplomatic depth needed for such complex negotiations. Notably absent from the Geneva meetings was Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump's top diplomat known for his foreign policy expertise.
Mohanad Hajj-Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut expressed concern: "Having a team of Witkoff and Kushner tasked with resolving all the world's problems is, frankly, a shocking reality."
Track Record and Challenges
Witkoff, often dubbed the "envoy for everything" due to his broad mandate, previously helped secure a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, though progress toward permanent resolution has stalled. His diplomatic efforts with Iran and Russia have shown limited success thus far.
Kushner's credentials include spearheading the Abraham Accords during Trump's first term, which established diplomatic relations between several Arab states and Israel. However, the initiative has not significantly advanced since Trump's return to office.
Administration's Defense
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the approach, stating that Trump and his team "have done more than anyone to bring both sides together to stop the killing and deliver a peace deal" in Ukraine. Administration officials have long championed Witkoff and Kushner's dealmaking skills and Trump's trust in their abilities.
The diplomatic challenges are compounded by what analysts describe as a "hollowing-out" of the State Department and National Security Council, where many veteran staffers were dismissed following Trump's return to office.
High Stakes, Uncertain Outcomes
As Trump continues his quest for international deals and his stated ambition for the Nobel Peace Prize, the Geneva negotiations represent a critical test of his administration's diplomatic capabilities. The president's massive military buildup near Iran maintains pressure while diplomatic channels remain open, though many fear potential escalation into wider regional conflict.
With expectations low for immediate breakthroughs in either crisis, the success of Trump's unconventional diplomatic strategy remains to be seen. The international community watches closely as these parallel negotiations unfold, questioning whether this ambitious approach can deliver the peace deals Trump has promised.