AP: Trump brings military leaders into talks on Ukraine, Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump has departed from traditional diplomatic methods by bringing senior military leaders into negotiations, the Associated Press reports.

According to the outlet, U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll took part in discussions on Ukraine, while the commander of U.S. Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, was involved in talks with Iran held in Oman.

AP notes that both negotiation tracks are overseen by the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff. The decision to involve top military commanders may be linked to their experience, networks, and as a signal of Washington’s readiness to resort to tougher measures if necessary.

During trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, Driscoll acted as an intermediary between the Ukrainian delegation and representatives of the Trump administration. The head of U.S. European Command, General Alexus Grynkewich, was also dispatched to the UAE capital, with his participation enabling the United States and Russia to resume high-level military-to-military dialogue.

The talks in Oman aimed to cool escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S. that have the region on edge. Trump said the talks were “very good” and more were planned for early next week. But he warned that if Iran did not make a deal over its nuclear program, “the consequences are very steep.”  

Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to reach an agreement, and he sent the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other warships to the region during Tehran’s bloody crackdown on nationwide protests.

By Khagan Isayev