Washington, DC [US], May 3, 2026, BNN Web Staff: The White House has confirmed the appointment of Nick Stewart as an adviser to the US diplomatic team engaged in efforts to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a report by CBS News.
In an official statement, White House spokesperson Olivia Wales described Stewart as a “sharp, seasoned policy expert,” saying his inclusion would strengthen the delegation led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Wales highlighted Stewart’s prior experience in Iran-related policy work, noting his service at the US State Department during the first Trump administration as well as his work on Capitol Hill.
US officials told CBS News that Stewart’s entry into the negotiating team was facilitated by Jared Kushner. Before this role, Stewart was associated with the lobbying division of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a think tank known for advocating a more assertive US stance toward Tehran.
The diplomatic development comes amid renewed exchanges between Washington and Tehran over competing peace proposals. Iran has reportedly submitted a 14-point counter-framework in response to a US-backed nine-point initiative, according to Tasnim News Agency.
The Iranian proposal, delivered through Pakistani mediators, outlines Tehran’s demands for a phased end to hostilities and seeks stronger security assurances, sanctions relief, release of frozen assets, and compensation for damages linked to sanctions and military pressure.
US President Donald Trump, reacting on Truth Social, said he would review Iran’s proposal but expressed scepticism about Tehran’s intentions, stating the country “has not yet paid a big enough price” for its actions over recent decades.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the plan is aimed at permanently ending the conflict, adding that “the ball is in America’s court” regarding the next steps.
Meanwhile, reports have also surfaced of continued tensions in maritime enforcement, with monitoring groups claiming that Iranian oil shipments have bypassed US naval restrictions, while Washington maintains that its blockade efforts remain effective.
Negotiations between the two sides are ongoing, with both parties awaiting formal responses as diplomatic and regional tensions continue to evolve.
