• Keith Kellogg, Trump's incoming Ukraine envoy, emphasizes the need for renewed sanctions against Iran.
• The policy aims to destabilize Iran's economy and push for democratic reforms.
• Kellogg predicts a limited window of opportunity for change in Iran.
• Maryam Rajavi, NCRI President-elect, calls for Western support against Iran's regime.
• The NCRI has been a vocal advocate for regime change in Iran, lobbying for international backing.

PARIS, Jan 11 (Reuters) - The world must revert to a strategy of "maximum pressure" against Iran to foster a democratic environment, stated Keith Kellogg, the incoming Ukraine envoy for President-elect Donald Trump, while addressing an Iranian opposition event in Paris on Saturday. Kellogg reiterated Trump's pledge to implement tactics from his previous term, which aimed to cripple Iran's economy to induce negotiations on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs as well as its regional conduct.

During his address, Kellogg highlighted, "These pressures are not just kinetic, just not military force, but they must be economic and diplomatic as well." He emphasized the **critical opportunity** at hand to effect change in Iran, urging that this window would not remain open indefinitely. His comments reflect a strategic approach to capitalize on perceived weaknesses within the Iranian regime.

Previously a speaker at National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) functions, Kellogg's appearance in Paris signals the Iranian opposition group's influence with the incoming U.S. administration. Earlier this month, he opted to delay a trip to European capitals, prioritizing his plans until after Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.

While speculation surrounds his potential meetings with French officials regarding Ukraine, neither the French presidency nor Trump's transition team have provided clarity on that front. Additionally, Marco Rubio, the incoming U.S. Secretary of State, has also shared platforms with the NCRI in past events, underscoring a bipartisan interest in Iranian policies.

Maryam Rajavi, the NCRI President-elect, underscored the altered regional dynamics that now challenge Iranian leadership, citing significant setbacks for its allies like Hezbollah. She asserted, "It is time for Western governments to abandon past policies and stand with the Iranian people this time." The NCRI, which acts as the political wing of the People's Mujahideen Organisation of Iran (PMOI), has been proactive in rallying support in France, frequently attracting notable former officials critical of the Islamic Republic's governance.

For more details, visit the original reports by Reuters and USA Today.