White House Adds Nick Stewart to Iran Negotiation Team

The U.S. announced $9 billion in weapons sales to Israel and Middle East allies, bypassing congressional review by citing an emergency. Sales include 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems to Israel, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates at $992.4 million each.

The Pentagon plans to withdraw about 5,000 U.S. forces from Germany, described by senior defense officials as a signal of discontent with European allies' assistance in the Iran war. President Trump has criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other NATO leaders for not directly involving themselves in the campaign.

President Trump addressed a 60-day deadline under the War Powers Resolution, telling congressional leaders that hostilities with Iran have terminated due to the early April ceasefire. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer rejected this view, stating the war continues illegally.

Stewart joined the delegation that traveled to Islamabad in early April, led by Vice President JD Vance, Kushner, and Witkoff, though that round failed. U.S. officials noted Stewart's role provides policy support, with lobbying records showing over $2 million spent on foreign policy issues since 2023, including the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani discussed negotiations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday. Qatar affirmed support for mediation and stressed adherence to international law and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, following Iranian attacks on Qatari infrastructure.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright testified on April 21 that nuclear experts provide insight remotely but do not join talks, stating he leads on nuclear matters with support from nonproliferation teams.

Trump described the U.S.

Navy's interdiction of Iranian-linked vessels as pirate-like actions during remarks in Florida on Friday. He referenced the USS Spruance intercepting the Iranian-flagged ship Touska last month, noting the blockade reverses Iran's past threats to close the strait.

“We're sort of like pirates, but we're not playing games because, you know, for 47 years, Iran has been pushing everybody around." — President Trump, May 2, 2026 (CBS News). Trump also said critics suggesting the U.S. is not winning against Iran commit treason, though treason is constitutionally limited to waging war or aiding enemies. He added that he expected the war to raise gas prices higher and drop the stock market by 25%, but claimed the U.S. is winning significantly.”