Trump’s Envoy Urges Renewed Pressure on Iran

Keith Kellogg advocates for a multifaceted approach to pressure Iran, encompassing military, economic, and diplomatic strategies, aiming for positive change within the country.

Keith Kellogg, Donald Trump’s incoming special envoy for Ukraine, urged a renewed “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. Addressing an Iranian opposition gathering in Paris, Kellogg emphasized the need for comprehensive action to foster democratic reforms in Iran.

The event was hosted by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a France-based opposition group. Kellogg’s repeated attendance at NCRI events, according to analysts, suggests a link between the group and the incoming US administration. He has also repeatedly accused Iran of supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict, a claim Russia denies.

“These pressures must include military, economic, and diplomatic measures,” Kellogg stated, advocating for immediate action “to change Iran for the better.”

“We must capitalize on Iran’s current vulnerabilities. The opportunity exists; decisive action is required,” he added, seemingly referencing heightened tensions between Iran and Israel in the Middle East.

Tehran hasn’t responded to Kellogg’s comments, but Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned France for hosting the NCRI event, labeling the NCRI a terrorist organization.

“France’s hosting of a terrorist group constitutes support for terrorism and violates France’s international legal obligation to counter terrorism,” the ministry declared on X. It further criticized France’s “lenient and selective approach to terrorism.”

The “maximum pressure” campaign refers to the Trump administration’s strategy of imposing stringent economic sanctions on Iran due to its uranium enrichment activities, viewed by the West as a potential attempt to develop nuclear weapons. These sanctions followed the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). The JCPOA limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, but Trump deemed it insufficient to curb Iran’s ambitions.

Following the US withdrawal, Iran expanded its uranium enrichment program. Last month, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi reported a significant increase in Iran’s uranium enrichment to 60% purity, calling this development “very concerning.” Efforts to revive the JCPOA have been unsuccessful.

Iran consistently denies pursuing nuclear weapons, asserting its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly denounced US sanctions as illegal and unjustified. Earlier this month, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated Iran’s openness to nuclear negotiations, but insisted on respectful dialogue.

“Increased sanctions and pressure will only strengthen Iran’s resistance,” Araghchi stated in an interview with Tasnim news agency.