The Trump administration has reportedly selected Michael Anton, a prominent conservative thinker and senior State Department official, to lead the U.S. technical team in critical nuclear negotiations with Iran.
According to Politico, Anton will head a 12-person delegation in discussions to restrict Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for partial sanctions relief. The first round of talks is set to begin this weekend, with Anton expected to lay the groundwork before a follow-up summit next week in Rome between Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Anton, currently the director of the State Department’s policy planning staff, brings deep ideological and strategic experience to the table. A former Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communication during Trump’s first term, Anton previously served as a Senior Fellow at the Claremont Institute and taught politics at Hillsdale College. His selection signals that the administration is taking a hard-nosed but calculated approach to reengaging Iran diplomatically.
While tensions with Tehran remain high, President Trump has repeatedly emphasized his preference for a peaceful resolution. “I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death,” Trump told reporters earlier this month. “That’s my first option. If there’s a second option, I think it would be very bad for Iran, and I think Iran is wanting to talk.”
That position has reportedly caused friction with Israeli officials, who have not ruled out a limited military strike on Iranian facilities. According to Reuters, Israel has considered targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure as early as May, but Trump has so far pushed back, urging patience and restraint.
This weekend’s technical talks in Rome are the first of their kind since Trump returned to office. Observers note that Anton’s involvement is a sign the administration is seeking a durable agreement that can hold up under domestic scrutiny and foreign skepticism. Sources told Politico the talks will center on how Iran might retain a peaceful nuclear energy program while eliminating pathways to weaponization.
“If Iran wants a civil nuclear program, they can have one, just like many other countries in the world,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday in an interview with The Free Press. But Rubio was clear: “What President Trump will not tolerate is Iran getting a nuclear weapon.”
The Anton-led talks follow years of fluctuating U.S. policy on Iran, including the withdrawal from the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Since then, Iran has ramped up its enrichment capabilities, sparking alarm across the region. However, Trump’s latest strategy appears to hinge on a narrowly focused deal: technical limits for targeted relief.
The White House has not yet officially confirmed Anton’s appointment but is expected to release a statement ahead of the upcoming discussions.
