DAVOS: Iran must come and sit at the diplomatic table, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff told Arab News on Thursday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

“That has to happen. It’s important. If Iran goes, so the region goes, and so we have to get that straight,” the envoy said.

Since the outbreak of anti-government demonstrations, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Iran’s leaders to halt the violent crackdown on protesters, vowing “very strong action” if executions go ahead. He has also called on Iranians to keep demonstrating and “take over institutions,” declaring that “help is on the way.”

Although Trump has so far stepped back from direct military intervention (at least since June’s attack on Iranian nuclear facilities), tensions remain high and a diplomatic breakthrough has proved elusive. On Tuesday, Davos organizers announced that the invitation to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had been rescinded, citing “the tragic loss of lives of civilians in Iran over the past few weeks.”

Araghchi condemned the move, accusing the forum of “blatant double standards” and of bowing to Western pressure. The decision came as the newly created Gaza peace board drew mixed reactions from governments already wary of further inflaming regional sensitivities.

Despite the fraught context, Witkoff insisted that the Middle East was moving in the right direction.

“I think it’s amazing what’s happening. Everybody is, I think, working together towards peace. Everyone’s bought into presidents Trump’s ideas about border peace, and I think I’m very hopeful.”

More than ten countries have reportedly signed on to the main “Board of Peace” (chaired by Trump), which carries a reported budget of $1 billion. Saudi Arabia has welcomed the initiative but as of Wednesday had not released any official statement.

European leaders in Davos appeared more skeptical, with France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni all reported to be weighing whether to decline the invitation.

Witkoff, alongside six others on the seven-member executive board (including Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner and Tony Blair), are expected to focus on diplomacy and investment while overseeing Gaza’s on-the-ground administration through the “Gaza Executive Board” and a national committee involving Palestinian technocrats.

Further announcements on participation are expected on Thursday following a fresh round of diplomatic maneuvering in Davos, as capitals weigh the board’s potential impact on existing UN-led efforts.