Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg has urged the United States to “complete the task” regarding Iran, suggesting that the U.S. should take control of strategic islands, weaken its energy sector, and support domestic rebels. This call for action comes amid an extended ceasefire aimed at facilitating negotiations.
Kellogg stated on “Hannity” that it’s time to stop negotiating and to “get the job done.” With a background as a special envoy to Ukraine and Russia during the Trump administration, he sees Iran’s leadership troubles and economic turmoil as a chance to apply more pressure rather than engage in diplomatic talks.
He pointed out the breakdown in Iran’s command structure as a vulnerability, insisting that the U.S. should use both economic and military strategies to pressure the regime significantly. “We should create more challenges for them and try to resolve this,” he remarked.
While discussing military tactics, he mentioned the importance of capturing key areas like Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that U.S. forces could successfully execute this strategy.
Kellogg expressed skepticism about the ongoing negotiations, contending that continuing talks would not yield fruitful outcomes because he believes the Iranian leadership is incapable of resolving its issues. He argued that the U.S. should have moved on from dialogue long ago, stressing that the economic stranglehold is already in effect with lockdown measures.
He suggested that targeting Iran’s fuel sector, rather than focusing on civilian infrastructure, could be the best method to diminish the Iranian regime’s sustainment without harming ordinary citizens. Furthermore, while he sees value in arming Iranian civilians to promote resistance, he emphasized the need for U.S. special operations to manage this process effectively, ensuring proper training and support for a coordinated effort.
