Trump doesn't talk military strategy

Reporter: "[Regarding] the U.S. launching a preemptive strike on Iran. You said you don't want to answer that."

Trump: "I don't talk about it. It's military strategy."

Reporter: "But, it is a legitimate question."

Trumo: "Well, not really. Only a stupid person would answer it.

The world must return to a "maximum pressure" policy against Iran to foster a transition to a more democratic state, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's incoming Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, said at an Iranian opposition event in Paris on Saturday.

Trump has pledged to reinstate the hardline approach from his previous administration, aimed at crippling Iran’s economy to compel negotiations over its nuclear program, ballistic missile development, and regional activities.

“These pressures must be comprehensive—not just military but also economic and diplomatic,” said retired Lieutenant General Kellogg, who is set to serve as Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Speaking at the event organized by the Paris-based Iranian opposition group, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), he emphasized the urgency of action. “There is an opportunity to change Iran for the better, but this window will not stay open forever. We must seize upon the vulnerabilities we see today.”

In response, Iran’s foreign ministry issued a statement condemning France’s hosting of the NCRI. It called the group a "terrorist organization" and accused France of violating its international obligations to combat terrorism.

Kellogg, a frequent speaker at NCRI events, most recently in November, hinted that the group’s message resonates with the incoming U.S. administration. His participation in Paris, albeit in a personal capacity, signals potential alignment with Trump’s policy toward Iran.

The timing of Kellogg’s Paris visit, ahead of his postponed trip to European capitals following Trump’s inauguration on January 20, has drawn attention. It remains unclear if his stop in Paris will include discussions with French officials about Ukraine. Requests for comment from the French presidency, foreign ministry, and Trump’s transition team went unanswered.

The NCRI, which has long advocated for the overthrow of Iran’s current leadership, remains controversial and its influence within Iran unclear. The group has previously hosted other prominent U.S. figures, including incoming Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Addressing attendees at the NCRI’s headquarters in Auvers-sur-Oise, just outside Paris, NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi declared that regional developments had shifted against Iran’s leadership. She pointed to the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and what she described as a “crushing blow” dealt to Iran’s key ally, Hezbollah, during its conflict with Israel.