Former Trump envoy Morgan Ortagus issued a clear warning Wednesday about Iran’s ongoing nuclear negotiations, cautioning that the regime may once again be trying to “buy time” while President Donald Trump gives diplomacy another chance.

Speaking at the Middle East Forum’s 2026 policy conference in Washington, Ortagus explained that dragging out negotiations has been one of Iran’s oldest tricks in the book. Imagine that — the Iranian regime playing games while the world waits. Totally unexpected, right?

“It’s the tactic of the regime to stall, to draw negotiations, to buy time,” Ortagus said. She also encouraged President Trump not to fall into the trap Tehran has used for years to preserve leverage while easing pressure against them.

Trump recently paused planned military strikes and extended a fragile ceasefire to create more room for diplomacy, showing once again that he’s willing to pursue peace first — but without surrendering American strength. That balance is exactly why world leaders know Trump is not someone they can easily push around.

Ortagus’ warning highlights the growing concern among conservatives that Iran could exploit negotiations simply to delay consequences while continuing its nuclear ambitions behind closed doors. Fortunately, unlike previous administrations, Trump has already proven he understands how these regimes operate and knows when to apply real pressure.

America remains strongest when leadership stays alert, decisive, and unwilling to fall for the same old tricks.