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Trump’s Incoming Ukraine Envoy Urges Global Return to ‘Maximum Pressure’ Strategy Against Iran

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Trump’s Incoming Ukraine Envoy Urges Global Return to ‘Maximum Pressure’ Strategy Against Iran

Edited by: Fern Sidman

The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is poised to revive a “maximum pressure” policy against Iran, seeking to curtail its nuclear ambitions and destabilizing regional activities. At an event organized by the Paris-based Iranian opposition group, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Retired Lieutenant-General Keith Kellogg outlined the administration’s strategy. As The Jerusalem Post reported, Kellogg emphasized that robust economic and diplomatic measures are key to transforming Iran into a more democratic nation.

Speaking in Paris on Saturday, Kellogg, Trump’s incoming special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to reinstating aggressive policies toward Iran. Trump, during his campaign, vowed to reintroduce the maximum pressure tactics he pursued during his previous term, aiming to cripple Iran’s economy and force it to negotiate on critical issues, including its nuclear program, ballistic missile development, and regional influence.

“These pressures are not just kinetic, just not military force, but they must be economical and diplomatic as well,” Kellogg told the NCRI audience, according to the report in The Jerusalem Post. He described the current moment as a critical juncture for change in Iran, urging swift and decisive action. “We must exploit the weakness we now see. The hope is there, so must too be the action,” he stated.

Kellogg’s participation in the NCRI event calls attention to the potential alignment between the group and the new Trump administration. The Jerusalem Post report noted that Kellogg’s presence, even in a personal capacity, signals that the NCRI may hold significant influence with US policymakers. Kellogg has previously addressed NCRI events, including one in November 2024, indicating a consistent interest in the group’s objectives.

The NCRI, a vocal critic of the Iranian regime, has long called for the overthrow of Iran’s current leadership. While its influence within Iran remains unclear, the organization has garnered support from high-profile figures in the US, including incoming Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has spoken at NCRI events in the past, The Jerusalem Post report indicated.

The Iranian government reacted strongly to the event, accusing France of hosting a “terrorist group.” In a statement, Iran’s foreign ministry denounced the gathering, calling it a “clear example of support for terrorism and a violation of the French government’s international legal obligation to combat terrorism,” as reported by The Jerusalem Post.

This sharp rhetoric reflects the deep tensions between Tehran and the NCRI, as well as the broader geopolitical friction surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and regional policies.

Kellogg’s visit to Paris came amid broader strategic deliberations within the Trump transition team. Although he postponed a planned trip to European capitals until after Trump’s January 20 inauguration, The report in The Jerusalem Post noted that it remains unclear whether his time in Paris included meetings with French officials to discuss issues beyond Iran, such as Ukraine.

France, a key player in global diplomatic efforts, has yet to comment on the NCRI event or Kellogg’s presence. Both the French presidency and foreign ministry, as well as Trump’s transition team, have remained silent on whether the trip involved any bilateral discussions.

As Trump prepares to take office, the administration’s early signals suggest a hardline approach to Iran, echoing the tactics of Trump’s first term. Kellogg’s remarks and the administration’s apparent endorsement of the NCRI’s aims point to a concerted effort to isolate and weaken the Iranian regime. However, the effectiveness and potential consequences of this strategy remain to be seen.

The Jerusalem Post report highlighted that while the NCRI is vocal in its opposition to the Iranian authorities, its support within Iran remains uncertain. Whether the administration’s alignment with the group will translate into tangible progress toward its goals of reforming Iran’s political system and curbing its nuclear ambitions is an open question.

As the world watches, the Trump administration’s revived “maximum pressure” campaign is set to redefine US-Iran relations and potentially reshape the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.

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