The global community should reinstate a strategy of “maximum pressure” on Iran to encourage a transition towards a more democratic governance, stated Keith Kellogg, the incoming U.S. envoy to Ukraine, during an Iranian opposition gathering in Paris on Saturday. President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his intention to revive the approach he adopted during his previous administration, which aimed to undermine Iran’s economy to compel the nation to engage in negotiations regarding its nuclear program, ballistic missile initiatives, and regional activities.

Kellogg, a retired Lieutenant General who will serve as Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, emphasized to the audience at the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) that these pressures should encompass not only military actions but also economic and diplomatic measures. He remarked on the potential to “improve Iran” but cautioned that this opportunity is not indefinite.

“We must take advantage of the vulnerabilities we currently observe. While hope exists, so must decisive action,” he stated. In response, Iran’s foreign ministry issued a statement condemning France for hosting what it termed a terrorist organization, asserting that this action contravenes the French government’s international obligations to combat terrorism. Kellogg has previously participated in NCRI events, with his recent appearance in Paris indicating that the group may have influence with the incoming U.S. administration.

He delayed a trip to European capitals earlier this month until after Trump’s inauguration on January 20. It remains uncertain whether he plans to use his visit to Paris to engage with French officials regarding Ukraine. The French presidency, foreign ministry, and Trump’s transition team did not provide immediate comments.

Incoming U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously participated in NCRI events. The organization has consistently advocated for the overthrow of the current Iranian regime, although its level of support within Iran is not clearly defined.

At the beginning of the event held at Auvers-sur-Oise, the NCRI’s headquarters on the outskirts of Paris, President-elect Maryam Rajavi stated that the regional power dynamics have shifted against Iran’s leadership following the downfall of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad and the significant setbacks faced by its key ally Hezbollah in its conflict with Israel. “It is time for Western governments to move away from previous policies and support the Iranian people,” she asserted. The NCRI, which serves as the political wing of the People’s Mujahideen Organisation of Iran (PMOI), has organized numerous rallies in France, frequently attended by prominent former U.S., European, and Arab officials who are critical of the Islamic Republic.