A newly released report presented to the Trump transition team proposes a robust strategy to curb the Iranian regime's influence, just days before the commencement of President-elect Donald Trump's second term. The report, titled "A 100 Day Plan for the Incoming Trump Administration on Iran," offers a comprehensive blueprint for the administration to adopt and has been shared with the Trump transition team.
Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, CEO and founder of United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), emphasized the significance of this opportunity for President-elect Trump to exert pressure on the regime at a time of its vulnerability. By employing diplomatic, informational, military, and economic measures to hold Tehran accountable, he can foster regional stability and shape a new Middle East.
The report highlights Iran's history as a state sponsor of terrorism, a primary source of instability in the Middle East, and a regime that has consistently repressed its own people. It advocates for a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach involving diplomatic, informational, military, and economic sectors, in collaboration with allies, to hold Iran accountable for its destabilizing actions in the region.
Jason Brodsky, policy director of UANI and co-author of the report, points out Iran's apprehension regarding the incoming Trump administration and suggests this presents a strategic opening for Washington and its allies to leverage this fear to advance U.S. interests. He cautions against rushing into premature diplomacy, which could undermine this advantage.
The report details specific policy recommendations to weaken Iran, advocating for a pressure campaign to limit the regime's options. It also suggests learning from Israel's recent military engagements with Iran on how to strike effectively without escalating into a broader conflict.
The report urges President-elect Trump to issue a firm warning to Tehran that the U.S. will not hesitate to use military force to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program if it continues to develop its capabilities. It also recommends targeted strikes against key figures within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Quds Force, and Intelligence Ministry if Iran or its proxies harm Americans. Furthermore, it advises using cyber and kinetic means to target Iran’s repressive apparatus if security forces violently suppress protesters.
The report emphasizes the need to hold Iran directly accountable for the actions of its proxies. It also proposes establishing a military defector program to encourage defections from the regime, including within the Revolutionary Guard and other security forces.
A significant source of Iranian revenue comes from its oil exports, which fuels its support for terrorist groups across the Middle East. The report highlights the surge in Iran’s oil exports under the Biden administration due to weakened sanctions enforcement and the release of frozen assets. It stresses the importance of the incoming Trump administration restoring maximum pressure on the regime and cutting off these illicit revenue streams.
The report cautions against negotiations with Tehran, viewing it as a tactic for Iran to stall and avoid pressure. Ambassador Wallace advocates for reinstating the maximum pressure campaign, arguing its previous effectiveness and the current opportunity presented by the regime's recent setbacks and regional conflicts. He expresses confidence that the Iranian people will ultimately rise against the weakened regime.
