Witkoff: 'Strong signs' Iran will accept US ceasefire offer — 'Don't miscalculate again'

US special envoy Steve Witkoff spoke at the White House cabinet meeting on 26 March 2026, offering optimism about Iran's eventual acceptance of the US 15-point ceasefire framework: 'Against the backdrop of our compelling military successes in Operation Epic Fury, we have had multiple reach-outs from the region and others who want to play a role in ending this conflict peacefully.' The 15-point plan was presented to Iran via Pakistani mediators, 'resulting in strong and positive messaging.' Witkoff: 'If we can convince Iran that this is the inflection point, with no good alternatives for them other than more death and destruction, we have strong signs that this is a possibility. If a deal happens, it will be great for the country of Iran, for the entire region and the world at large.' He said Iran is 'looking for an off-ramp following Trump's powerful threat on Saturday' — Trump's 48-hour ultimatum threatening to bomb Iranian energy plants if Hormuz was not opened. Witkoff's final warning to Tehran: 'We have told Iran one last thing: don't miscalculate again.' Reflecting on pre-war negotiations, Witkoff said the Iranians 'were there to buy time until a weaker president arrived. This was a flawed strategy.'