Trump's special envoy Witkoff and Kushner visit US aircraft carrier amid Iran tensions, talks

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper visited the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on Saturday. The visit occurred during a scheduled deployment for the aircraft carrier, which moved to the Middle East in January after leaving San Diego in November. The purpose of the visit, according to Witkoff, was to thank the service members and observe operations, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to peace through strength. The visit also took place amid heightened tensions with Iran and a day after the U.S. and Iran held talks in Oman regarding Iran's nuclear program. Witkoff noted the crew's role in defending U.S. interests and deterring adversaries.

The article reports that former President Trump is relying on U.S. military leaders to conduct diplomatic efforts regarding Iran and Ukraine. Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, U.S. Central Command, is involved in these efforts. Additionally, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has been tapped for diplomatic roles. These appointments come after previous diplomatic initiatives involving Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Josh Gruenbaum, who engaged in negotiations with Iranian officials in Oman and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in 2026. The specific goals and details of these military-led diplomatic efforts remain unclear.