Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg said the U.S. must continue targeted strikes against Iranian leaders and cannot negotiate with the country.
Kellogg's calls for a more aggressive military posture suggest a shift toward maximum pressure to counter Iran's regional influence. His proposals include the deployment of ground troops to increase leverage over Tehran.
Speaking Monday on Fox News’ ‘Jesse Watters Primetime,’ Kellogg said he has a strategy to fundamentally change the U.S. approach to the region. He said there are five specific actions [1] the U.S. should be taking right now to address the threat.
One of the primary pillars of this strategy is the removal of current diplomatic personnel in favor of specialists. "We need hardcore Iran negotiators, not real estate guys," Kellogg said.
Kellogg said traditional diplomacy has proven ineffective with the current Iranian leadership. He said the U.S. cannot negotiate with the regime and must instead rely on a combination of military pressure and targeted strikes.
The retired general said the war has changed and requires a corresponding change in American personnel and tactics. This approach would prioritize military readiness and a willingness to deploy boots on the ground, a move that represents a significant escalation from current policy.
Throughout the interview, Kellogg said the administration must prioritize strength over dialogue. "We can't negotiate with these guys," Kellogg said.
“We need hardcore Iran negotiators, not real estate guys.”
Kellogg's proposal advocates for a return to a 'maximum pressure' campaign, moving beyond economic sanctions to include direct military intervention and ground deployments. By criticizing the professional background of current negotiators, he is arguing that the U.S. requires a security-first diplomatic team rather than one focused on transactional or commercial deal-making.
