Former White House spokeswoman and Iran negotiator Morgan Ortagus warned that Iran may be using ongoing nuclear negotiations to delay U.S.pressure while preserving leverage.Speaking at the Middle East Forum in Washington, Ortagus emphasized that Tehran historically draws out diplomatic talks as a strategy to buy time.She cautioned President Trump not to fall into this pattern while pursuing diplomacy and temporarily pausing planned military strikes.Ortagus highlighted that the U.S.currently has more negotiating leverage than past administrations, pointing to Trump’s firm stance on Iran’s nuclear program and regional proxies.

She also discussed the Israel-Lebanon front, explaining that Hezbollah, acting independently of the Lebanese government, continues to obstruct peace efforts, complicating ceasefire enforcement.Ortagus stressed that both Lebanon and Israel share interests in stability but Hezbollah’s influence must be addressed to achieve progress.She described the current conflict as distinct from past “forever wars,” advocating careful use of force when necessary while prioritizing diplomacy.Her comments reflect ongoing Republican debate over U.S.strategy in the Middle East, balancing deterrence against Iran with broader regional stability and domestic priorities.