WASHINGTON — As the executive branch pauses anticipated Trump Iran kinetic strikes to explore diplomatic off-ramps, Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg is urging a renewed, uncompromising focus on total denuclearization. The former U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine cautioned that while military options remain vital, historical precedents prove that aerial bombardments alone cannot force a lasting resolution without sweeping economic and geopolitical leverage.
President Donald Trump recently delayed a massive military campaign—described as the “big bang”—following direct appeals from Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf States. The administration is currently navigating a delicate window, hoping to secure a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz alongside the establishment of new parameters for a denuclearization framework.
Kellogg, who currently serves as co-chair of the Center for American Security at the America First Policy Institute, commended the administration’s pursuit of a diplomatic solution but expressed deep skepticism regarding Tehran’s intentions. He likened the diplomatic process to the classic “Peanuts” comic strip, comparing Iranian negotiators to Lucy pulling the football away just as Linus attempts to kick it. With the American public growing increasingly exhausted by endless delays, Kellogg warned that citizens are demanding definitive closure rather than perpetual negotiations.
Addressing the efficacy of military action, Kellogg flagged a “major concern” regarding the over-reliance on kinetic strikes. Drawing from his own extensive combat experience, he noted that during the Vietnam War, the U.S. dropped more ordnance on targets than in World War II without securing a swift victory. Similarly, during the Gulf War, a 30-day preliminary air campaign yielded no immediate results; it wasn’t until 48 hours into the ground invasion that he found himself on the banks of the Euphrates River. He stressed that modern strikes must be heavily contextualized within broader economic and diplomatic frameworks to be effective.
While bombs are paused, economic warfare remains at a maximum threshold. Kellogg confirmed that a strict naval blockade has effectively halted Iranian oil exports, crippling their primary revenue stream. Concurrently, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s “Operation Economic Fury” has locked devastating sanctions into place, cutting off all financial lifelines to the regime. However, Kellogg acknowledged that strangling an economy and diverting global shipping routes is a slow process that continues to test national patience.
To achieve a permanent end state, Kellogg argued that maximum pressure must ultimately catalyze a change in government. He asserted that as long as a theocratic regime remains in power, regional conflicts will persist. To that end, he advocated for supporting internal Iranian resistance to dismantle the current leadership, thereby giving the President unparalleled leverage. Furthermore, he proposed establishing a long-term, “NATO-like structure” with regional Gulf allies to ensure the U.S. is not perpetually drawn back into Middle Eastern crises.
A central frustration for the retired general is the shifting narrative away from the original objective: eliminating Iran’s enriched uranium, which he refers to as “nuclear dust.” He warned against letting the Strait of Hormuz disputes overshadow this existential threat. Pointing to the historical failure to denuclearize North Korea—resulting in their current arsenal—Kellogg emphasized that the world already has nine nuclear powers and absolutely does not need a tenth.
Kellogg also criticized Tehran’s “marketplace negotiations,” comparing their diplomatic style to haggling for a Middle Eastern rug with no price tag and infinite delays. He noted that current talks are largely being mediated between Oman and Iran, leaving the U.S. on the periphery of its own primary foreign policy objective.
Acknowledging that the current administration has successfully decimated Iran’s military and economic infrastructure, Kellogg insists it is time to abandon the cycle of broken promises. He urges the White House to trust its strategic instincts, declare an end to fruitless negotiations, and decisively finish the mission to secure a nuclear-free future for the next generation.
