The Donald Trump administration has appointed Nick Stewart as an advisor to Washington’s diplomatic team tasked with negotiating a peace deal with Iran to end the ongoing conflict. In a statement, White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales described Nick Stewart as a “sharp, seasoned policy expert” who would serve as a significant asset to the delegation led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Who is Nick Stewart?

Nick Stewart is considered a loyalist of the Trump administration and held various positions within the US State Department during Trump’s first term and on Capitol Hill. According to Wales, Stewart possesses a deep background in Iran-related matters.

Notably, prior to his appointment as an advisor to Trump’s negotiating team, Nick Stewart was associated with the lobbying wing of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, an organisation that has consistently advocated for a more aggressive military stance against Tehran.

A CBS news report, citing top US officials, said Stewart’s induction into the negotiating team was facilitated by Trump’s son-in-law and advisor Jared Kushner.

What Nick Stewart induction means for US-Iran talks?

The appointment of Nick Stewart comes amid stalled negotiations between Tehran and Washington as both sides refuse to budge over key demands, with the recent rounds of talks in Pakistan’s Islamabad ending in a stalemate, reportedly over the nuclear issue.

However, both countries have expressed willingness to continue discussions to find a acceptable deal to end hostilities that have raged since February 28 when US and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran.

According to Stewart’s induction will strengthen the policy and advisory side of the US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

Iran issues counter-proposal to Trump’s peace plan

The reshuffle in US negotiating team comes as Iran submitted a counter-proposal to a nine-point peace plan backed by the United States. The detailed 14-point plan issued by Tehran outlines specific requirements for terminating the hostilities, according to the Tasnim News Agency.

The document, which was facilitated through Pakistani mediators, indicates Tehran’s objective to transition from a temporary cessation of hostilities toward a more permanent settlement.

In its 14-point plan, Iran has reportedly dismissed the notion of a long-term ceasefire which was initially suggested by the US. Instead, Tehran has demanded all all core disputes be settled within a 30-day timeframe.