# Why Kushner and Witkoff Keep Failing

> Kushner and Witkoff's diplomacy fails on Ukraine, Gaza, Iran despite Trump's promises.
- Title: Why Kushner and Witkoff Keep Failing · Foreign Policy
- Summary: Kushner and Witkoff's diplomacy fails on Ukraine, Gaza, Iran despite Trump's promises.
- Keywords: jared kushner, steve witkoff, u.s. diplomacy, iraq, gaza, iran, u.s. president donald trump, russia, ukraine, israel, hamas, middle east peace
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/11/03/kushner-witkoff-diplomacy-russia-iran-failure
- Author: Stephen M. Walt
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: jared kushner, steve witkoff, u.s. diplomacy, iraq, gaza, iran, u.s. president donald trump, russia, ukraine, israel, hamas, middle east peace
## Kushner and Witkoff's role
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are unofficial presidential envoys personally selected by U.S. President Donald Trump to handle critical negotiations over Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran.
## Gaza peace deal failure
The supposed Gaza peace deal is a sham as Israel continues bombing Gaza with impunity while expanding territorial control and limiting relief aid.
## Israel support bias
Kushner and Witkoff are ardent Israel supporters less likely to pressure Israel than former U.S. President Joe Biden.
## Gaza deal objective
The Gaza agreement aimed to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas and get the conflict off the front pages.
## Iran negotiations collapse
Kushner and Witkoff failed to negotiate an Iran agreement before the war due to misunderstanding nuclear program details and Trump launching war.
## Ukraine war continues
Russia's war in Ukraine continues despite Trump's claim he could end it in 24 hours.
## Kushner and Witkoff's approach
Kushner and Witkoff focus on economic deals to gain cooperation from other nations.
## Real estate mindset
Kushner and Witkoff view international relations through a real estate developer's lens prioritizing financial gain over security.
## Kuwait invasion example
Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990, eliminating a major creditor and gaining resources that would have increased Iraq's GDP by 40 percent.
## Ukraine's security concerns
Ukraine refuses to surrender lands they regard as rightfully theirs despite economic offers.
## Palestinian national identity
Palestinians won't abandon national identity or political rights for economic packages.
## Military action consequences
Bombing other countries to topple regimes rarely works as it rallies populations behind leaders who resist compromise.
## Security over wealth
Smart political leaders prioritize national security before economic prosperity.
## Kushner's financial gain
Kushner may have pocketed billions in secret payments from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
## Diplomatic failure
Kushner and Witkoff's narrow worldview fails to address security concerns in international diplomacy.
## Key takeaway

Kushner and Witkoff failed to achieve peace in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran negotiations due to a narrow focus on economic deals over security concerns.