Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has denied allegations that Iran plotted to assassinate President-elect Trump, stating that his country has never attempted such an act and has no plans to do so in the future. Pezeshkian made these remarks during an interview in Tehran, countering claims made by U.S. intelligence authorities.
He dismissed the accusations as part of a larger effort to stoke fear of Iran, attributing the claims to schemes orchestrated by Israel and other countries. Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran has no intention of carrying out any assassination attempts, asserting, 'None whatsoever. We have never attempted this to begin with, and we never will.'
Meanwhile, Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump's incoming special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, advocated for a return to a policy of 'maximum pressure' on Iran. Kellogg warned of the destabilizing impact of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, highlighting the need for global cooperation to address the issue.
He referenced Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, reinstating economic sanctions on Iran. While this move was supported by some, others, including leaders from the UK, France, and Germany, had urged Trump to uphold the agreement.
Kellogg's statements underscore the challenges a second Trump administration may face in dealing with Iran, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The looming threat posed by Iran has prompted calls for a united front against the country's nuclear ambitions and regional activities.
