A significant power shift within the Trump administration has consolidated US foreign policy under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sidelining Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff in what senior diplomatic sources labeled an internal campaign of rivalry, sabotage, and strategic alliances, Iran Nuances exclusively reported.

Though publicly portrayed as a dynamic partnership, the relationship between Rubio and Witkoff was marked by increasing tension.

In late August, outlets such as The Hill called them a complementary duo, combining political experience and outsider deal-making, tasked with managing some of the administration’s most sensitive files, including Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran. Behind the scenes, however, officials recount a different story.

Witkoff’s rise and fall

Witkoff, a real estate developer with no prior experience in diplomacy, was appointed as a special envoy and entrusted with critical foreign policy issues.

His proximity to President Trump and his growing media visibility sparked unease within the State Department. According to multiple foreign diplomats, Rubio viewed Witkoff’s influence as a threat from the outset.

“Rubio was jealous from the very beginning about Witkoff’s role in these important files,” one senior diplomat said. That initial discomfort evolved into a concerted effort to marginalize the envoy.

Conflicting agendas on Iran

The rift reportedly deepened over the administration’s approach to Iran. While Witkoff favored diplomatic de-escalation, Rubio took a harder line.

Officials familiar with the matter told Iran Nuances Rubio saw Witkoff’s success on the Iran file as politically disadvantageous, both to his personal ambitions and to the interests of a close US ally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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“Witkoff’s success on the Iran file was a real nightmare for Rubio,” said one source, who added that Netanyahu shared this view. “Therefore, what united Rubio and Netanyahu was the fear of a shared nightmare.”

Systematic undermining

A European diplomat stationed in Tehran said there were deliberate efforts to obstruct Witkoff’s work. “Rubio thoroughly sabotaged him in all three files. He blocked expert support, withheld reports, and even discouraged communication with key figures like former US negotiator Richard Nephew.”

The objective, according to multiple sources, was to discredit Witkoff in the eyes of President Trump. That goal was reportedly achieved.

Last straw: Israeli strikes on Iran

The defining moment came in the wake of “Israel’s” June 2025 military strike on Iranian targets, including nuclear facilities. The attack followed a period of tentative US-Iran de-escalation, which had been spearheaded by Witkoff.

Following the strike, a heated meeting reportedly took place involving Witkoff, Vice President JD Vance, and Rubio. Witkoff, according to sources, expressed frustration that the attack had undermined diplomatic progress and embarrassed the Trump administration. Rubio, however, defended the strike.

“You had two months, but the Iranians played you,” Rubio repotedly told Witkoff. The confrontation escalated when Netanyahu joined the meeting via phone and criticized Witkoff directly, a move considered orchestrated and symbolic of the envoy’s final political defeat.

Read more: Rubio pledges ongoing US pressure on Iran alongside Netanyahu

Rubio’s doctrine ascends

With Witkoff sidelined, Rubio’s vision now dominates the administration’s foreign policy. His approach, dubbed by one source as “aggressive, interventionist, and aligned with Trump’s psychology”, has reshaped key diplomatic priorities.

“Rubio skillfully plays to Trump’s instincts,” said one diplomat. “He’s replaced complex diplomacy with clear, bold action.”

Venezuela and the “Grand Regime-Changer”

Rubio’s ambitions extend beyond the Middle East. According to a source close to the administration, Rubio aims to position himself as a global architect of regime change, beginning with Venezuela.

“His entire ambition is to be remembered as the ‘grand regime-changer’ during his tenure,” the source claimed. “He wants to change the governments in Cuba and leftist South American countries—but for now, he has started with Venezuela.”

One official close to Witkoff shared the envoy’s final assessment of the power struggle: “Rubio has effectively become Netanyahu’s arse-licker and is dragging America into war with everyone.”

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