Trump Transition Team: Iran’s Threats & Challenges

As the Trump transition team prepares for the responsibilities of governance, Iran’s regime presents one of the most critical challenges on the global stage. In private discussions with friends on the team, I’ve repeatedly emphasized strategic and operational tasks that must take priority.

Today, I reiterate these points publicly, in hopes of reinforcing the urgency of addressing the threat posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The following are key areas of focus for the Trump administration’s transition team to counter Iran’s destabilizing agenda and protect U.S. and allied interests.

1. National Security & Intelligence Briefings

A robust understanding of Iran’s capabilities and intentions is paramount. The transition team must obtain comprehensive intelligence from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). These agencies hold vital information about Iran’s nuclear program, terrorist proxy activities, and broader regional strategies.

Equally important is a thorough threat assessment. The team must analyze how Iran’s actions could impact U.S. allies, including Israel and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, as well as U.S. forces stationed in the region. Iran’s destabilizing ambitions extend beyond the Middle East, with implications for global security. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to crafting an effective response.

2. Develop and Expand the Maximum Pressure Strategy

The maximum pressure campaign initiated during President Trump’s first term proved effective in limiting Iran’s economic and military ambitions. This strategy must now be reinvigorated and expanded.

• Sanctions Intensification: Reimpose crippling sanctions on Iran’s financial networks, key individuals linked to terrorism, and sectors that fund its regional proxies. Secondary sanctions targeting nations and companies facilitating Iran’s evasion tactics, particularly in the energy sector, are vital.
• Military Deterrence: Strengthen U.S. military presence in the region, including enhanced missile defense systems and joint exercises with allies. This will send a clear message to Tehran that aggressive actions will be met with forceful consequences.
• Sanctions Review: Assess the efficacy of existing sanctions and identify areas where enforcement can be tightened or expanded.

3. No Diplomatic Engagement with the Mullahs

The Islamic Republic outlaw regime has consistently and cunningly demonstrated that diplomacy is a tool it exploits to buy time and further its destructive ambitions. The Trump administration must reject direct diplomatic engagement with Tehran, focusing instead on strengthening partnerships with regional allies like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. A united front will isolate Iran diplomatically and economically, forcing the regime into a defensive posture.

4. Counterterrorism Measures

Iran’s extensive network of terrorist proxies, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and militias in Iraq and Syria, represents one of the gravest threats to regional stability. The Trump administration should:

• Identify and Map Proxy Networks: Utilize intelligence resources to uncover the full scope of Iran’s Islamic Terrorist proxy operations.
• Disrupt Funding Channels: Target banks, charities, and businesses that finance these groups.
• Neutralize Leadership: Deploy targeted actions to degrade the operational capabilities of terrorist leaders and infrastructure.

5. Domestic Policy Implications

Iran’s capabilities are not confined to the Middle East. The regime has reportedly cultivated sleeper cells on U.S. soil, ready to act in retaliation for American actions against Tehran. Additionally, Iranian cyberattacks pose a significant threat to U.S. infrastructure and businesses.

• Protecting U.S. Interests: Strengthen cybersecurity measures and enhance coordination among federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
• Monitoring Domestic Threats: Prioritize intelligence efforts to identify and neutralize sleeper cells linked to Iranian-backed groups.

6. Prepare for Immediate Action

The transition team must be ready to implement decisive actions as soon as the administration assumes office. Whether it involves imposing sanctions, deploying military assets, or conducting public diplomacy campaigns, swift execution will be key to gaining the upper hand against Tehran.

7. Long-Term Planning: Supporting Iranian Democratic Aspirations

While immediate action is necessary, the Trump administration should also prioritize a long-term strategy aimed at empowering the Iranian people and promoting democratic values.

• Support Democratic Movements: Develop frameworks to assist opposition groups advocating for regime change.
• Human Rights Advocacy: Highlight Tehran’s human rights abuses on the global stage to delegitimize the regime.

Empowering the Iranian people to pursue their aspirations for freedom and democracy is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic one. A democratic Iran would transform the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, reducing threats to U.S. and allied interests.

8. Overhaul Persian-Language Outreach Programs

Tehran’s propaganda machine has long exploited Persian-language media (REFL/Radio Farda + VOA Persian) to spread its anti-Western and anti-Israel narratives. The Trump administration should:

• Reform State Department Programming: Invest in credible and engaging Persian-language media initiatives that counter Tehran’s disinformation.
• Cut Propaganda Channels: Shut down Tehran-affiliated media outlets operating in Washington that serve as mouthpieces for the regime.

By effectively communicating with the Iranian people and exposing the regime’s lies, the U.S. can build bridges with Iran’s population while weakening the regime’s grip on power.

 A Critical Moment for Action

Iran’s regime remains a destabilizing force, blending its regional ambitions with a hardline ideological agenda. The mullahs’ support for terrorism, pursuit of nuclear weapons, and relentless propaganda make it clear that traditional diplomatic approaches will not suffice.

The Trump administration has a unique opportunity to neutralize the Iranian threat through a combination of maximum pressure, robust counterterrorism measures, and support for democratic aspirations within Iran. By leveraging its alliances and maintaining a strong, principled stance, the administration can protect U.S. interests and promote stability in the Middle East.

As the transition team lays the groundwork for this strategy, it must act decisively to ensure that the Iranian regime’s malign influence is curtailed. This is a moment of profound consequence, and the actions taken now will shape the security and prosperity of the region for decades to come.

I believe it’s time to activate the “snapback mechanism” alongside the “maximum pressure” strategy. The savage, deceitful, oppressive, & murderous ayatollahs doesn’t understand diplomacy & has no respect for international laws.

Today, Trump names Seb Gorka, Alex Wong to be senior national security staff. Gorka will act as the deputy assistant to the president and as the senior director for counterterrorism while Wong will serve as assistant to the president and as the principal deputy national security advisor while, Trump said in a statement through his transition..

Dr. Sebastian Gorka will bring unparalleled expertise, bold leadership, & a deep understanding of national security to the #NSC as Deputy Assistant to the President & Senior Director for #Counterterrorism. As the translator of his insightful book, which unfortunately remains unpublished by the publisher in CA, I extend my heartfelt congratulations & best wishes for his success in this critical role. Islamic terrorists affiliated with the #Iran‘s regime will undoubtedly be alarmed by this news, but the truth, like the sun, will shine brightly. Dr. Gorka will stand resolute, undeterred by the storms of challenges ahead. Wishing Sebastian success in this important role. I also hope he can weaken the transnational terrorist network of the brutal Islamic Republic mullahs in #Iran. He’s a great & knowledgeable man for a great & important job.