Kellogg Praises Trump’s China Strategy, Calls for Tougher Pressure on Iran

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg praised President Donald Trump’s handling of relations with China and Iran, arguing that the administration’s posture has strengthened U.S. leverage abroad while increasing economic pressure on Tehran.

Speaking during an interview following Trump’s meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kellogg said the discussions between the two leaders were positive and reflected what he described as China’s respect for Trump’s leadership.

Kellogg argued that China remains heavily dependent on Iranian oil exports, claiming that roughly 90% of Iran’s exports go to China to support its economy. He contrasted China’s energy needs with those of the United States, saying the U.S. is less dependent on Gulf oil supplies.

Discussing U.S. policy toward Iran, Kellogg described Trump as “the only reasonable guy” involved in the situation and praised the president’s instincts as commander-in-chief. He said he personally favored a tougher approach toward Tehran, including targeting strategic assets such as Kharg Island or seizing islands in the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in negotiations.

According to Kellogg, controlling key maritime positions and restricting Iran’s economic output could severely weaken the Iranian economy. He suggested that maintaining pressure on Iran’s oil infrastructure and shipping lanes would provide Washington with long-term strategic leverage.

Kellogg also criticized Iran’s leadership, referring to the country’s ruling establishment as a “theocratic” regime, and discussed Iran’s decentralized “mosaic” defense strategy involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He argued the strategy failed to anticipate Trump’s response and said the United States should continue pursuing pressure campaigns against Tehran.

The interview also focused on Trump’s recent visit to China and the issue of Taiwan. Kellogg praised Trump’s response when asked about Taiwanese independence, after Trump reportedly said he had made “no commitment either way” regarding the issue.

Kellogg described Trump’s handling of the question as a “master-class” in negotiation, saying the president deliberately avoided making firm commitments while signaling U.S. strength to both Beijing and the broader international community.

The retired general further highlighted the presence of major American business leaders during the China meetings, including Elon Musk and executives from Apple and NVIDIA. Kellogg said their participation demonstrated U.S. economic strength and reinforced America’s position as the world’s leading economic power.

He argued that showcasing influential U.S. corporate leaders alongside the president sent a clear message to China about American innovation and market leadership.

The discussion also touched on concerns surrounding intellectual property theft and espionage involving China, as well as efforts to expand access to Chinese markets for American companies.