The White House has appointed Nick Stewart as an adviser to its diplomatic team engaged in ongoing peace talks with Iran. Stewart will join the US delegation working on discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.
The talks, being mediated by Pakistan, are focused on issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to reports, Stewart has previously worked on Iran-related policy matters and is associated with a hardline approach towards Tehran, favouring increased pressure through sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
The appointment comes at a time when negotiations between the two sides remain stalled, with deep differences persisting over key demands.
Recent rounds of talks in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough, though both sides have indicated willingness to continue discussions.
The US team is being led by senior officials including Vice President JD Vance and special envoys. Officials said Stewart’s addition is expected to strengthen the policy and advisory side of the US delegation as it navigates complex geopolitical issues tied to the conflict.
Who Is Nick Stewart?
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales described Stewart as a “sharp, seasoned policy expert” who would serve as a significant asset to the delegation led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Wales noted that Stewart possesses a deep background in Iran-related matters, having previously held positions within the State Department during the first Trump administration and on Capitol Hill.Stewart’s induction into the negotiating team was facilitated by Jared Kushner, US officials told CBS News.
Prior to this appointment, Stewart was associated with the lobbying division of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, an organisation that has consistently advocated for a more aggressive military posture against Tehran.
This diplomatic reshuffle comes as Iran formally issued a counter-proposal to a US-backed nine-point peace initiative.
