Possible nuclear war: Witkoff, Kushner visit nuclear energy research site, sparking controversy

Published June 7th, 2026 - 09:28 GMT
Witkoff, Kushner
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (L) and US businessman Jared Kushner deliver a press conference upon the signing of the declaration on deploying post-ceasefire force in Ukraine during the Coalition of the Willing summit on security guarantees for Ukraine, at the Elysee Palace in Paris on January 6, 2026. Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN / POOL / AFP

ALBAWABA -  Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump's special ​envoy, and Jared Kushner were spotted at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee on ​Thursday, sparking wide criticism about the reason behind the visit amid fears of the resumption of attacks on Iran.

Witkoff and Kushner's visit ignited widespread questions and debate on social media regarding its goal and objectives, especially at this sensitive stage of the negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

Activist Mario Nawfal wrote on X, "The two of them reportedly slipped into the Oak Ridge nuclear complex in Tennessee, the place where the U.S. first enriched uranium for the bomb back in the 1940s and still home to the country's sharpest nuclear minds, to sit down with top experts."

He added, "The timing tells the story. It lands right as the Iran talks hit a make-or-break stretch, and both men are key envoys on the file."

Another said, "Jared Kushner has a conflict of interest and should not be anywhere near the negotiations with Iran."

Why did Kushner, Witkoff visit nuclear energy research site?

Axios reported that the visit was to consult with experts ​regarding ⁠nuclear negotiations with Iran, a source ​familiar said ​on Friday.

The source, however, did not provide additional details.

It is worth mentioning that U.S. President Donald Trump ​insists that any deal ​to end the war should include ‌a provision that Tehran should not develop a nuclear weapon.