News for 'Steve Witkoff'

White House dismisses reports of peace talks in Pakistan as 'speculation'

White House dismisses reports of peace talks in Pakistan as 'speculation'

Rediff.com7 hours ago

Iranian representatives have conveyed to the Trump administration that they are unwilling to resume talks with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, preferring instead to engage with Vice President J D Vance.

Pakistan mediating between US and Iran? White House says...

Pakistan mediating between US and Iran? White House says...

Rediff.com2 days ago

The White House has responded cautiously to reports of Pakistan offering to mediate between the US and Iran, amid ongoing tensions and potential talks.

Modi's ill-advised...: Cong slams PM on Pak mediation reports

Modi's ill-advised...: Cong slams PM on Pak mediation reports

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Congress party has criticised the Indian government's diplomatic strategy, claiming a 'severe setback' if reports of Pakistan mediating between the US-Israel and Iran are accurate. The party alleges Pakistan's diplomatic engagement has surpassed India's, despite military successes.

Talking with 'a top person' in Iran, not new supreme leader: Trump

Talking with 'a top person' in Iran, not new supreme leader: Trump

Rediff.com2 days ago

The US President clarified that these negotiations do not involve the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Russia is 'ready for war with Europe right now': Putin

Russia is 'ready for war with Europe right now': Putin

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Putin argued that European countries are putting forward demands related to the conflict that Russia cannot accept. He further accused Europe of obstructing initiatives by the United States and President Donald Trump to pursue a negotiated settlement.

Iran gave US 'significant prize' linked to Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Iran gave US 'significant prize' linked to Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com1 days ago

Former US President Donald Trump claimed victory over Iran, stating they agreed to never have a nuclear weapon and provided a 'significant prize' related to the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested a change in Iranian leadership and acknowledged Pakistan's role in facilitating talks.

EU's Emergency Summit On Trump, Greenland

EU's Emergency Summit On Trump, Greenland

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

EU leaders convened an emergency summit in Brussels to address transatlantic tensions as President Trump threatened new tariffs on member States linked to his Greenland acquisition demands.

Trump-Zelenskyy Meet: What Do These Pix Tell You?

Trump-Zelenskyy Meet: What Do These Pix Tell You?

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

United States President Donald John Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met for lunch at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday. This was their first one-on-one meeting after their disastrous encounter at the White House in March.

Ukrainian delegation to meet Rubio today over US peace plan

Ukrainian delegation to meet Rubio today over US peace plan

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday said that a "dignified end" to the war was possible given that the US was demonstrating a constructive approach.

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Pak PM offers to host US-Iran talks, Trump shares post

Rediff.com1 days ago

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host talks between the US and Iran to help resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, following reports of Pakistan's involvement in backchannel diplomacy.

Trump invites India to join Gaza Board of Peace?

Trump invites India to join Gaza Board of Peace?

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

The invitation comes as the US administration moves forward with formalising the "Board of Peace" structure linked to Trump's broader Gaza roadmap.

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Trump's War Has Crossed Energy Rubicon. And There's No Turning Back

Rediff.com7 days ago

For weeks, the war skirted the edge of catastrophe without tipping over. Missiles flew, there was much destruction, commanders were assassinated, cities across the Gulf and even in Israel struggled to absorb the shock. But one line held: Energy infrastructure, the arteries of the global economy, remained largely untouched. That is no longer true. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Pakistan Offers To Mediate Between Iran, US: Financial Times

Pakistan Offers To Mediate Between Iran, US: Financial Times

Rediff.com2 days ago

'Pakistan has pitched Islamabad as a possible venue for talks as early as this week involving senior figures from the Trump administration and Iran,' the Financial Times reported.

War has to end: Trump to Putin after meeting Zelenskyy

War has to end: Trump to Putin after meeting Zelenskyy

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Thursday said he had a good meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin is that 'war has to end'.

Ukraine war to end? Zelenskyy announces trilateral meet in UAE

Ukraine war to end? Zelenskyy announces trilateral meet in UAE

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Zelenskyy also stated that documents being drafted with Washington, DC to end the war were close to completion.

Trump 'extremely frustrated' with Russia, Ukraine: White House

Trump 'extremely frustrated' with Russia, Ukraine: White House

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The White House on Thursday stated that United States President Donald Trump is 'extremely frustrated' with both Russia and Ukraine over the slow progress toward ending the ongoing war and is unwilling to engage in 'meetings just for the sake of meeting'.

India yet to decide on joining Trump's Board of Peace

India yet to decide on joining Trump's Board of Peace

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

India is yet to take a call on United States President Donald Trump's invitation to be part of the 'Board of Peace' that will work towards bringing lasting peace to Gaza and possibly resolve global conflicts, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

Trump unveils 'Board of Peace', India skips ceremony

Trump unveils 'Board of Peace', India skips ceremony

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

India was among the countries not present in Davos when US President Donald Trump unveiled his "Board of Peace" that seeks to work towards bringing lasting peace to Gaza and possibly resolve global conflicts. India is yet to take a call on it, people familiar with the matter said when asked about Trump's invite to PM Modi.

Trump booed at US Open final

Trump booed at US Open final

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

US President Donald Trump received a mixed reception of cheers and boos at the US Open final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on Sunday.

8 Islamic nations agree to join Trump's 'Board of Peace'

8 Islamic nations agree to join Trump's 'Board of Peace'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Trump's 'Board of Peace' is being projected by Washington, DC as a new international body to usher in peace and stability in Gaza and beyond, triggering speculation that it could throw a challenge to the United Nations.

Will Trump's 5 Day Pause End The War On Friday?

Will Trump's 5 Day Pause End The War On Friday?

Rediff.com2 days ago

'Was the five-day pause ever meant to hold, or was it simply another instrument of signaling, of positioning, of buying time in a war where even the pauses are tactical?' asks Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com1 days ago

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Ukraine peace talks: Trump's special envoy to meet Putin

Ukraine peace talks: Trump's special envoy to meet Putin

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

United States President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that his special envoy Steve Witkoff would be visiting Moscow next week to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner might going with Witkoff too.

Putin-Trump summit may happen next week: Kremlin envoy

Putin-Trump summit may happen next week: Kremlin envoy

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Taking to social media platform X, Dmitriev said, "Russia confirms Putin-Trump summit may happen next week and summit preparations are ongoing. This can be a historic meeting. Dialogue will prevail."

Give up Gaza or face obliteration: Trump warns Hamas

Give up Gaza or face obliteration: Trump warns Hamas

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

United States President Donald Trump has warned Hamas of 'complete obliteration' if the group insists on taking control over Gaza and blocks progress on his proposed ceasefire deal, CNN reported.

Trump gives two-week deadline to Iran before military action

Trump gives two-week deadline to Iran before military action

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

United States President Donald Trump has opened a two-week window for diplomacy with Iran before deciding on military action, aiming to restart stalled negotiations amid Israel's bombing campaign, CNN reported.

Israeli strikes kill 70 in Gaza despite Trump's call to stop bombing

Israeli strikes kill 70 in Gaza despite Trump's call to stop bombing

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

The Israeli strikes in recent weeks have affected more than one million Gazans, forcing them to vacate the area and move towards southern Gaza.

Will eradicate Hamas if Gaza truce fails: Trump

Will eradicate Hamas if Gaza truce fails: Trump

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

A day after Israel claimed that Hamas had violated the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, United States President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) issued a stark warning to the militant group, saying it would face 'eradication' if it violated a truce in the region.

US proposes 21-point plan to end Gaza war; no governance role for Hamas

US proposes 21-point plan to end Gaza war; no governance role for Hamas

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

The daily said that the plan which it has acquired was also authenticated by two sources familiar with the matter and sees the US establishing a dialogue with Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a "political horizon" for "peaceful coexistence."

Putin demands key Ukraine region in return for peace

Putin demands key Ukraine region in return for peace

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a phone call this past week with United States President Donald Trump, demanded that Kyiv surrender full control of Donetsk, a strategically vital region in eastern Ukraine, as a condition for ending the war, said two senior officials familiar with the conversation, the Washington Post reported.

Israel ready to launch operation in Iran, US withdraws personnel

Israel ready to launch operation in Iran, US withdraws personnel

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

This is part of the reason the US advised some Americans to leave the region earlier Wednesday, with the State Department ordering non-emergency government officials to exit Iraq due to 'heightened regional tensions', CBS News reported.

Trump, Putin meet in Alaska along with aides

Trump, Putin meet in Alaska along with aides

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Trump's one-on-one meetings with Putin during his first term were clouded with mystery. With only a translator inside the room, it was often unclear what exactly was discussed. Aides had a difficult time ascertaining if the two reached any agreements. After one such meeting, in Germany, Trump asked his interpreter to discard his notes.

Understanding reached on Ukraine, Putin tells press meet

Understanding reached on Ukraine, Putin tells press meet

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Speaking shortly after, Trump stated he had yet to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy but would do so imminently, along with other European leaders. He suggested a formal deal was not yet in place.

Putin will face severe economic consequences if...: Trump warns again

Putin will face severe economic consequences if...: Trump warns again

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Trump stated that Russia will face "severe economic consequences" if Putin doesn't show interest in de-escalating the Ukraine conflict.

US drops Trump's envoy from Ukraine talks on Putin's request

US drops Trump's envoy from Ukraine talks on Putin's request

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

United States President Donald Trump's special envoy for Russia-Ukraine negotiations, Keith Kellogg, has been excluded from high-level discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, according to a report in NBC News.

Will Trump Pull The Plug On Russian Oil Sanctions?

Will Trump Pull The Plug On Russian Oil Sanctions?

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Whether Trump will actually press ahead with the oil sanctions remains unclear, since keeping Russian oil out of the world market risks high oil prices which could boomerang on the US economy and be damaging politically for Trump, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Trump says Ukraine-Russia land swaps may be discussed, Kyiv to decide

Trump says Ukraine-Russia land swaps may be discussed, Kyiv to decide

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Trump reiterated that he is not negotiating on behalf of Ukraine, but rather aiming to bring the parties to the negotiating table.

Russia strikes Indian pharma warehouse in Ukraine

Russia strikes Indian pharma warehouse in Ukraine

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

A Russian missile struck a warehouse belonging to an Indian pharmaceutical company, Kusum, in Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian embassy in India. The embassy alleged that Russia, despite claiming a "special friendship" with India, deliberately targeted Indian businesses in Ukraine. The strike reportedly destroyed medicines intended for children and the elderly. This incident follows a similar attack on a major pharmaceuticals warehouse in Kyiv, which was destroyed by Russian drones, as reported by the UK's ambassador to Ukraine. Kusum Healthcare, the company whose warehouse was hit, has a presence in 29 countries, including Ukraine. This attack comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region as Russia continues its offensive against Ukraine, despite US efforts to push for a ceasefire. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of being the sole obstacle to peace and claimed that Moscow rejected a US-brokered proposal for a ceasefire.

India calls for humanitarian aid in Gaza, stresses hostage release

India calls for humanitarian aid in Gaza, stresses hostage release

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

India has expressed concern over the situation in Gaza and called for the supply of humanitarian assistance to the affected people as Israel resumed bombing in conflict-hit Palestinian territory, shattering a fragile ceasefire with Hamas. India also underlined the need to release all hostages held by Hamas. The country's comments came as Israel pounded Hamas targets in Gaza, triggering uncertainty over the ceasefire that came into effect on January 19. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 400 people were killed in the Israeli bombing.