Mike Waltz Delivers Stark Warning on Iran: 'Never Going to Take an Approach of Trust'

U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz delivered a forceful message Sunday regarding America's stance toward Iran, declaring that the United States will "never going to take an approach of trust" with the Islamic Republic as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.

Speaking on CBS's "Face the Nation," Waltz made clear that any potential agreement with Iran must be both "absolutely verifiable and enforceable," setting a high bar for negotiations as U.S. officials prepare to return to Pakistan for continued talks.

High-Stakes Diplomacy Returns to Islamabad

President Trump announced Sunday that American representatives would travel to Islamabad for a second round of negotiations with Iranian officials. The first round, led by Vice President JD Vance just last weekend, concluded without agreement after Iranian negotiators "chose not to accept our terms," according to Vance.

Multiple sources confirmed to CBS News that Vance will return to Pakistan alongside Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner. The high-profile delegation is expected to arrive Monday evening for Tuesday talks.

Waltz emphasized the significance of having the Vice President lead these discussions, stating it "shows the level of engagement from the U.S. side — that we are absolutely serious." However, he acknowledged challenges on the Iranian side, noting that "the Iranian side is in a bit of chaos" following what he described as "devastating strikes on their leadership."

Iran's Weakened Position

The U.N. Ambassador painted a picture of an Iranian regime under unprecedented pressure. "The Iranian economy is devastated, and they've never been — I can tell you, here at the United Nations — they've never been more diplomatically isolated," Waltz declared.

He characterized the current moment as representing the "highest level engagement in the history of the Iranian regime," occurring alongside "historic cease fire talks going on between the Israelis and the Lebanese."

This diplomatic isolation, combined with economic devastation, has left Iran without strong negotiating cards, according to Waltz. "Iran does not have the cards and we are confident they will come to the table, and finally give up their obsession with having a nuclear weapon," he asserted.

Trump's Escalating Threats

President Trump has maintained his characteristically aggressive rhetoric throughout the diplomatic process. On Sunday, he warned that if Iran doesn't accept what he called a "very fair and reasonable DEAL," the United States "is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran."

The President's threats have grown increasingly severe in recent weeks. Earlier this month, he warned that a "whole civilization will die tonight" without a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a threat that preceded a two-week ceasefire announcement.

"NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!" Trump wrote on social media Sunday, adding that Iranian leaders "'ll come down fast, they'll come down easy and, if they don't take the DEAL, it will be my Honor to do what has to be done, which should have been done to Iran, by other Presidents, for the last 47 years."

Strait of Hormuz Becomes Leverage Point

The strategic Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a critical bargaining chip in negotiations. Iran reimposed restrictions on the vital waterway Saturday after Trump maintained that the U.S. blockade would continue until a nuclear deal was reached.

Former Biden administration advisor Amos Hochstein warned Sunday that Iran now possesses unprecedented leverage through its control of the strait. "No matter how the war ends, the Iranians now have a card they never had before," Hochstein observed, noting that while Iran theoretically always could close the straits, "they never did."

Verification Framework Essential

Waltz stressed that any eventual agreement must include robust verification mechanisms, pointing to "extensive discussions" with the International Atomic Energy Agency, which would play a "key role in ensuring Iran lives up to any deal."

The emphasis on verification reflects lessons learned from previous Iranian agreements and the Trump administration's skepticism toward Tehran's compliance with international commitments.

As negotiations continue, the stark divide between American demands and Iranian positions remains evident, with both sides appearing to test each other's resolve through a combination of diplomatic engagement and escalatory rhetoric.