By: Fern Sidman

In a resolute and stirring address delivered Wednesday night at the United Hatzalah Gala in New York City, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the United States to preventing Iran from ever acquiring nuclear capabilities. Speaking before a distinguished crowd of diplomats, philanthropists, and survivors of Hamas captivity, Witkoff’s remarks, as reported by Israel National News, highlighted the depth of American-Israeli strategic alignment at a time of profound regional uncertainty.

“Iran must never be permitted to enrich uranium or develop any nuclear capabilities,” Witkoff declared emphatically. “A nuclear Iran represents an existential threat to Israel, as does an Iran with a large amount of missiles; this is as big of a threat as the nuclear one.”

His message was as much a policy assertion as it was a moral commitment. As the report at Israel National News noted, Witkoff framed the Iranian threat not only as a danger to Israel’s existence but as a clear and present threat to the United States, the free world, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “We must stand resolute and united against this danger and ensure that Iran never obtains the means to achieve its deadly ambitions, no matter what the cost,” he added, drawing a wave of applause from the audience.

In a deeply emotional turn, Witkoff turned his attention to the survivors of Hamas captivity in Gaza, several of whom were present at the event. The gala, which brought together leaders from across the Jewish world, became a platform not only for diplomacy but for remembrance, healing, and solidarity.

“Your survival provides hope to countless families who still await the return of their loved ones from captivity,” Witkoff said, according to the INN report. “Your presence here tonight stands as a powerful symbol of the indomitable spirit of Israel, a testament to the courage and resolve of every hostage and every family waiting for their loved ones to come home.”

As reported by Israel National News, the envoy issued a solemn vow on behalf of the United States government: “The United States of America will not rest until all the hostages are back home and every living hostage has the opportunity to share the same embrace with their family as the Alexanders did.”

His remarks resonated with particular poignancy as the war in Gaza enters its 21st month, with dozens of hostages still believed to be held in underground Hamas facilities. In recent weeks, the Trump administration has faced mounting pressure to prioritize hostage recovery as a condition in any prospective ceasefire or post-war arrangement.

In a moment that drew both laughter and cheers, Witkoff veered briefly into political levity, expressing admiration for his boss, President Donald J. Trump. According to the Israel National News report, Witkoff—who has been tapped as a key negotiator for regional diplomacy—praised Trump’s steadfast support for Israel and his historic role in reshaping Middle East dynamics through the Abraham Accords.

“He’s an incredible friend to the Jewish people,” Witkoff said. “No disrespect to Prime Minister Netanyahu, I think President Trump can be the first sitting president who can also be the Prime Minister of Israel at the same time.”

The comment, while tongue-in-cheek, called attention to the enduring popularity of Trump in many Israeli and Jewish-American circles, especially in contrast to the more muted reception afforded to previous administrations’ Middle East strategies.

Witkoff’s speech comes amid escalating warnings of a potential Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, an operation which U.S. officials now believe Israel is “fully ready” to execute, according to the report at Israel National News and major American outlets. The timing of Witkoff’s remarks—emphasizing both the non-negotiability of Iran’s nuclear disarmament and the moral imperative of hostage recovery—appears to align with a broader U.S. diplomatic campaign to reassure regional allies while preparing for possible military contingencies.

As tensions mount between Tehran and Jerusalem, and amid growing concern that Iran’s proxy network could launch retaliatory strikes against both Israeli and American interests, Witkoff’s address functioned as both a policy pronouncement and a call to action. His invocation of “no matter what the cost” was received by many, including Israel National News analysts, as a clear signal that Washington would not obstruct Israeli military action if diplomacy fails.

The United Hatzalah Gala—typically a celebration of Israeli civil resilience and volunteerism—became, in Witkoff’s words, a forum to “renew our shared promise to never allow terror, tyranny, or silence to prevail.” His speech, carefully calibrated to reflect both diplomatic urgency and personal empathy, marked one of the most unambiguous articulations yet of the current administration’s stance toward the Islamic Republic of Iran.

As the Israel National News report indicated, diplomatic backchannels remain active, but patience in both Jerusalem and Washington is wearing thin. Witkoff’s message was unmistakable: preventing a nuclear Iran is not merely strategic—it is existential. And for those still waiting for their children, spouses, and parents to come home from Gaza, it is also deeply personal.

In a region often bereft of certainty, Witkoff offered one: The United States will not abandon Israel, and the cost of peace will never include surrendering to evil.