Witkoff to Join Rubio and UK Lammy White House Meeting/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will attend Thursday’s White House meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The gathering is part of diplomatic efforts amid escalating Israel–Iran tensions. Lammy heads to Geneva Friday for broader talks with European counterparts and Iran.
Witkoff at White House Meeting + Quick Looks:
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expected at Rubio–Lammy White House meeting
- Talks focused on Israel–Iran conflict and possible U.S. military involvement
- UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy joins U.S. Secretary Rubio
- Lammy to proceed to Geneva Friday for Iran–Europe engagement
- Witkoff not expected at Geneva meeting with Iranian delegation
Witkoff to Join Rubio and UK Lammy White House Meeting
Deep Look
White House Meeting Amid Rising Tensions
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to join Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy for a high-level meeting at the White House on Thursday afternoon, as confirmed by a source familiar with plans Said. The meeting, initially slated for last week, was delayed but signals an urgent diplomatic effort given the intensifying Israel–Iran conflict and ongoing discussions about possible U.S. military involvement.
Witkoff’s Role and Scope
Witkoff, who has been in communication with Iran’s foreign minister, will be present for Thursday’s closed-door session but is not expected to attend the follow-up meeting in Geneva. That meeting is scheduled for Friday and will involve European diplomats and Iran’s foreign minister—including representatives from the U.K., France, Germany, and the EU’s foreign policy chief. Lammy will head to Geneva afterward to take part in those discussions.
Context: Diplomatic Push and U.S. Policy
The diplomatic maneuver comes amid President Trump’s deliberations over whether to enter the conflict alongside Israel. The White House is assembling a coordinated strategy with key allies to weigh military and diplomatic options. Witkoff’s presence underscores the U.S. commitment to balancing hardline and negotiated approaches—especially as troops redeploy and missile exchanges escalate.
Regional Fallout Continues
The timing of these meetings aligns with intensified military actions. In the past 24 hours, Iran launched additional missiles at northern Israel, triggering sirens over Haifa, as the Israeli military activated air defenses and interception systems. At least 271 people were admitted to Israeli hospitals—including 71 mildly injured at Soroka Medical Center, which was struck by a missile. These incidents have increased the urgency of diplomatic discussions.
Next Moves for Diplomatic Strategy
Thursday’s session at the White House is expected to focus on rapid de-escalation and reviewing U.S. posture. Lammy’s swift transfer to Geneva emphasizes a dual-track strategy: the U.S.-U.K. will strategize on policy and potential military engagement, while European powers aim to re-engage Iran directly. Witkoff’s absence in Geneva suggests the U.S. will coordinate but not directly negotiate with Iran there.
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