Kushner and Witkoff's Unconventional Diplomatic Push in Geneva
Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, has acquired distinctive nicknames from his international counterparts during high-stakes negotiations. In Moscow, he is referred to as 'Zyat,' while in Tehran, he is known as 'Damad'—both terms translating to 'son-in-law' in their respective languages. These monikers, as reported by the New York Times, are not necessarily derogatory but reflect his unique role and approach.
Pragmatic Negotiators in Action
Kushner, alongside Steve Witkoff—renowned for his involvement in Trump's Gaza peace deal—are currently engaged in intense diplomatic efforts. Their objectives are twofold: to end Iran's nuclear ambitions and to halt Russia's aggressive landgrabs in Ukraine. Unlike previous American administrations, these New York real-estate tycoons avoid lecturing on human rights, instead positioning themselves as pragmatists focused on swift, tangible outcomes.
The pair conducted indirect talks with Iranian representatives at Oman's embassy in Geneva on Tuesday morning, followed by a meeting with Russian officials that afternoon at the Intercontinental Hotel in the same Swiss city. Kushner, the softly-spoken husband of Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka, has even drawn admiration from regime-controlled Iranian press, which has dubbed him 'The Prince of the White House.'
Admiration and Scrutiny in Equal Measure
Influential Iranian political analyst Ahmad Zeidabadi offered praise for Kushner in a February 6 op-ed, noting, 'Kushner is an Orthodox Jew whose brain works well.' He added that Kushner represents 'the pragmatic and softer side of Trump himself,' rather than acting as a proxy for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. This endorsement highlights Kushner's reputation as an honest broker, cemented by his role in brokering the Abraham Accords during Trump's first term, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states.
However, the 45-year-old Kushner faces scrutiny over his business interests in the region. Unlike Witkoff, who holds an official role as a Special Envoy to the Middle East, Kushner serves merely as a senior adviser to the president without a formal government position. He continues to oversee Affinity Partners, a private equity firm backed by $2 billion from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, along with hundreds of millions more from the UAE and Qatar. Speculation also surrounds his 'Gaza Riviera' vision, a proposal to redevelop the devastated coastal strip into high-end real estate.
Witkoff's Connections and Kremlin Charm
Steve Witkoff, aged 68, is highly regarded inside the Kremlin for his charm and enthusiasm, according to a source cited by the New York Times. Initially dealing with Witkoff alone, the Russians have also warmed to Kushner, appreciating his more methodical approach. Witkoff's son runs World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture that recently secured a $500 million investment from a group linked to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the UAE's National Security Advisor.
In an interview following the completion of the 20-point Gaza deal between Israel and Hamas, Kushner explained their unique style: 'A lot of the people who do this are history professors, because they have a lot of experience, or diplomats. It’s just different being deal guys - just a different sport.' The pair even met with Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in January, where state media reported that the Russian president 'warmly welcomed' them.
Expert Concerns and Diplomatic Challenges
The breakneck speed of their recent negotiations has raised concerns among experts. Brett Bruen, a former foreign policy adviser in the Obama administration who now heads the Global Situation Room strategic consultancy, commented, 'Trump seems more focused on quantity over quality instead of the difficult detailed work of diplomacy.' He added, 'Tackling both issues at the same time in the same place doesn’t make a lot of sense,' in a statement to Reuters.
Notably absent from these talks is Secretary of State Marco Rubio, widely respected for his grasp of international affairs and fresh from a well-received speech at last week's Munich Security Conference. The diplomatic push is a grueling double-pronged effort: Moscow demands that Kyiv cede the Donbas and commit to a permanent ban on NATO membership, while the Americans push for an 800-mile frontline freeze and US-backed security guarantees.
Elusive Deals on the Iranian Front
On the Iranian front, a deal remains elusive. The US has sought to expand talks to non-nuclear issues, including Iran's missile stockpile. However, Iran insists it will only discuss curbs on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, flatly refusing to address its missiles. This stalemate underscores the complexity of the negotiations, as Kushner and Witkoff navigate these high-stakes international waters with their distinctive, deal-focused approach.
