Trump Taps Military Leaders for Diplomatic Efforts on Iran and Ukraine

Unusual move sends top commanders to high-level negotiations

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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President Donald Trump has taken the unusual step of tapping military leaders for high-level diplomacy, sending the top U.S. commander in the Middle East to talks over Iran's nuclear program and positioning the Army secretary as a key negotiator on ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Why it matters

This move reflects how the Trump administration has upended traditional U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy by relying more on military leaders rather than skilled diplomats to try to solve complex foreign policy challenges. It raises questions about the administration's devaluing of diplomatic tools in favor of an overreliance on the military.

The details

Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, joined indirect U.S.-Iran talks in Oman, appearing in his dress uniform as a reminder of American military might in the region. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has also reprised his role at Russia-Ukraine talks, working to keep the conversation going with Ukrainian officials between sessions. The choice to bring in military leaders reflects how the Trump administration has sought to signal potential tougher options in these thorny negotiations.

  • On February 7, 2026, President Trump sent Adm. Brad Cooper to participate in indirect U.S.-Iran talks in Oman.
  • In November 2025, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was tapped to join negotiations to try to end Russia's nearly 4-year war in Ukraine.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has taken the unusual step of tapping military leaders for high-level diplomacy.

Adm. Brad Cooper

The head of U.S. Central Command who joined indirect U.S.-Iran talks in Oman, appearing in his dress uniform as a reminder of American military might in the region.

Dan Driscoll

The Army Secretary who has reprised his role at Russia-Ukraine talks, working to keep the conversation going with Ukrainian officials between sessions.

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What they’re saying

“It often takes an enormous amount of time, investment and hard work to get to the point where you can say diplomacy has succeeded.”

— Elisa Ewers, Former national security official, Middle East scholar (Center for a New American Security)

“Presidents do this kind of thing. There's a long tradition of American presidents using unusual people as emissaries if they trust them and think they can deliver the message.”

— Eliot Cohen, Former State Department counselor (Center for Strategic and International Studies)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.