Retired General’s Shocking Advice To Trump

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg says President Donald Trump should move beyond diplomacy with Iran and adopt a tougher strategy aimed at dismantling the country’s nuclear program while increasing pressure on the Iranian regime.

Speaking Wednesday on Newsmax’s Rob Schmitt Tonight, Kellogg argued that the Trump administration has already given diplomacy every reasonable opportunity and that negotiations have reached their limit.

According to Kellogg, the next phase should focus on protecting U.S. national security, defending America’s allies in the Middle East, and preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed nation.

Kellogg Says Diplomacy Has Run Its Course

Kellogg praised President Trump for attempting to resolve the standoff through negotiations before considering stronger options.

“The president deserves full credit,” Kellogg said. “He gave diplomacy every opportunity to work before deciding stronger action may be necessary.”

Kellogg added that he believes further negotiations are unlikely to produce meaningful results.

“We gave diplomacy its chance,” he said. “Now it’s time to move forward.”

Three-Part Strategy for Dealing With Iran

Kellogg outlined what he described as a practical three-step plan designed to increase pressure on Tehran while limiting the risk of a wider regional conflict.

His proposal includes:

• Securing Iran’s enriched uranium and nuclear centrifuges through international inspections supported by American advisers.
• Keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to international shipping, including the possible use of military force if commercial vessels are threatened.
• Demanding that Iran immediately end support for terrorist organizations operating throughout the Middle East.

Kellogg said Iran should no longer be allowed to back groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, arguing that those organizations continue to fuel instability across the region.

Kharg Island Could Become a Key Target

Kellogg also discussed reports that President Trump has considered the possibility of taking control of Kharg Island, the terminal that handles the vast majority of Iran’s oil exports.

Rather than describing the idea as an invasion, Kellogg said it would involve a narrowly focused military objective.

“When people hear boots on the ground, they think invasion,” Kellogg explained. “That’s not what we’re talking about. We’re talking about securing a strategic location.”

Because Kharg Island serves as Iran’s primary oil export hub, Kellogg argued that controlling it would dramatically reduce the regime’s ability to generate revenue.

“You’re taking away their economic lifeline,” he said. “Once that revenue disappears, the pressure on the regime grows significantly.”

Kellogg Supports Future Political Change in Iran

Kellogg also said the United States should be prepared to support a provisional government if the Iranian people eventually decide to replace the current regime.

He stressed that any political transition should ultimately be determined by the Iranian people themselves but said America should be prepared to support stability if that opportunity arises.

Kellogg Believes Americans Would Support Trump’s Plan

Some critics have questioned whether Americans would back a tougher approach toward Iran, but Kellogg believes public support would follow if President Trump clearly explains the stakes.

He argued that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons would strengthen America’s long-term security while helping stabilize the Middle East.

Kellogg credited Trump with reshaping the strategic balance in the region and said stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions could have lasting global consequences.

Air Force One Decision Sparks Questions

Kellogg also addressed speculation surrounding President Trump’s decision to fly home from Turkey aboard the current Air Force One instead of using the replacement aircraft donated by Qatar.

He dismissed suggestions that the decision reflected growing concerns over Iran, saying it was simply another example of Trump’s judgment.

“I think the president made the right decision,” Kellogg said. “One thing I’ve learned about President Trump is that his instincts are usually right.”

Bottom Line

Kellogg’s remarks reflect a growing debate over the future of U.S. policy toward Iran as concerns over Tehran’s nuclear program continue. While President Trump has repeatedly emphasized that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon, questions remain about whether diplomacy can still achieve that goal or whether stronger measures will ultimately be required.