Trump's new ambassador to Ukraine issues warning to Iran, urging 'maximum pressure must be reinstated'
A gathering of Iranian dissidents in Paris was addressed by retired Lt Gen Keith Kellogg.
Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, President-elect Donald Trump's incoming special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, stated that the United States must adopt a policy of "maximum pressure" and that the Iranian regime's weakness has brought about uncertainty regarding the future of Iran.
Kellogg, a former member of Trump's first administration, stated at an event sponsored by an Iranian opposition group in Paris that this year should be viewed as a year of hope, action, and change.
The former general stated that Iran's acquisition of a nuclear weapon would be the most destabilizing event in the Middle East. Kellogg reminded the opposition group that Trump abandoned the Iran nuclear deal during his first term, despite opposition from members of the first administration.
Kellogg stated that the United States should reinstate a policy of maximum pressure, with the support of the global community, including standing with the Iranian people and their desire for democracy.
In 2018, Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and imposed crippling economic sanctions. While some, including Netanyahu, supported the move, the leaders of the UK, France, and Germany urged the president to stay committed to the deal.
The recent remarks made before Trump's second term are another indication of how his administration will confront Iran's threat in a new context with much of the Middle East in turmoil since the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel.
"Ironically, the start of Iran's decline began a year ago, on 7 October," Kellogg stated.
Kellogg stated that applying pressure to Iran must involve not only military force but also economic and diplomatic measures.
Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the Iranian opposition group, NCRI, stated at the event that the fall of Syria's longtime dictator, Bashar al-Assad, presented a unique opportunity for Iranians to shape their own future.
Rajavi stated that Khamenei and the IRGC were unable to maintain the Syrian dictatorship and will not be able to preserve their regime in the face of organized resistance and uprising. As a result, the regime will be overthrown.
Rajavi stated that the National Council of Resistance of Iran has a plan for a democratic Iran, which involves a step-by-step process following the overthrow of the current regime. After the fall of the regime, a transitional government will be established for a maximum of six months, with its primary objective being to hold free elections for a Constituent Assembly and transfer power to the people's representatives.
Rajavi stated that the only way to achieve freedom in Iran and maintain peace and calm in the region is through the overthrow of the mullahs' regime.
Kellogg advocated for a "more amicable, steady, and non-aggressive Iran" as the immediate objective, emphasizing the need for the US to take advantage of Iran's current vulnerabilities.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized France for hosting a "terrorist group" and claimed that the French government had breached its international legal duties to combat terrorism.
world
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