Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, the former U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has called for a reshuffle in the American negotiating team handling the Iran conflict. During an appearance on Fox News Channel's 'America Reports,' Kellogg argued that the current team lacks the necessary toughness and should not be populated by 'real estate guys.' He emphasized the need for 'real hardcore' personnel capable of managing the evolving situation effectively.

Kellogg, who served as National Security Advisor on an acting basis in 2018 and 2019, outlined a multi-pronged strategy to increase pressure on Iran. He suggested that airstrikes alone would not be sufficient to settle the conflict. Instead, he proposed the deployment of ground troops to secure strategic targets, arguing this would provide the President with leverage and control over Iran's economy. 'You’re going to need ground troops to do something. That doesn’t mean they go all the way to Tehran,' Kellogg stated.

The former envoy recommended that the U.S. seize Iran's Kharg Island and another strategic island to the east. This move, he argued, would disrupt the majority of Iran's energy exports and grant the administration significant leverage. Additionally, Kellogg urged the continued targeting of key Iranian leadership and strategic assets to instill fear within the regime and weaken the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Support for Iranian opposition groups seeking to overthrow the current regime was another key element of Kellogg's roadmap. He suggested providing special operations assistance, similar to operations in Afghanistan. Kellogg also called on President Donald Trump to make the case directly to the American public, framing the prevention of a nuclear Iran as vital to avoiding a regional arms race and protecting future generations.

Kellogg's recommendations align with recent sentiments from other former Trump administration officials. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper warned that relying solely on aerial strikes might not lead to victory and suggested focusing on economically 'strangling' the Islamic Republic. Similarly, former National Security Advisor John Bolton argued that the U.S. should prioritize dismantling the IRGC, citing recent attacks on U.S. bases and the deaths of American service members as justification for a broader campaign aimed at regime change.

U.S. intelligence has assessed that Iran is not expected to relax its negotiating position despite ongoing U.S. military actions, raising the prospect of a prolonged standoff between the two nations. The assessment suggests that military pressure has not produced the intended diplomatic effect, leaving both sides entrenched in their respective positions.

Intelligence Assessment Points to Entrenched Positions

According to the intelligence prediction, Iran's stance at the negotiating table is expected to remain firm. The assessment underscores the complexity of the geopolitical situation, with both nations showing little sign of shifting their core demands or strategies in response to recent developments.

Implications of a Prolonged Standoff

The intelligence forecast of a sustained impasse signals continued uncertainty in U.S.-Iran relations. A prolonged standoff, as indicated by the assessment, could have wide-ranging implications for regional stability and international diplomatic efforts, potentially delaying any resolution to the ongoing conflict.