Grenell to Newsmax: Trump Strategy on Cusp of Iran Win

U.S. envoy for special missions Richard Grenell told Newsmax on Sunday that President Donald Trump's negotiating strategy has positioned the United States "on the cusp of a historic, incredible win" in its standoff with Iran.

Speaking on "Wake Up America Weekend," Grenell pointed to Trump's use of pressure-backed diplomacy as the key to shifting the balance after years of policies under previous administrations.

"Look, I think what we're watching is Donald Trump do what Donald Trump does, which is the art of the deal," Grenell said.

"He is one of the best negotiators we've ever seen," he added.

Grenell emphasized that Trump's approach combines diplomacy with credible consequences, including potential military action, sanctions, and economic pressure.

"When he puts out a very credible threat, people know that it's not just a threat, it's actually credible and something could happen," Grenell said.

"If you do not negotiate in good faith, if you do not come to an agreement, there will be a very serious consequence behind it," he said.

That leverage, he said, empowers U.S. negotiators at the table.

"Imagine sitting at a table and you're trying to negotiate with Iran … and you can tell them, 'Look, if we don't come up with an agreement here at this peaceful table, I'm going to have to pick up and transfer this file over to the Pentagon and to the White House,' " Grenell said.

"Here is your time to negotiate," he said.

Grenell contrasted Trump's strategy with what he described as years of concessions under former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

"What we have to remember is that where we are with Iran is that they have always had cash credit and sanctions relief from Presidents Obama and Biden," he said.

"President Trump has completely changed that," Grenell said.

Instead of easing restrictions, Grenell said the Trump administration has tightened economic pressure.

"The sanctions are not being relieved. They're actually in place, and strong credit has dried up," he said.

"Instead of boots on the ground, he's got boats on the water, and boats on the water are actually stopping their ability to collect cash — their economy is in freefall," he said.

Grenell added that the pressure campaign has extended to Iran's leadership structure, though uncertainty remains about who could emerge next.

"When you squeeze them like this and you take out their regime at the top, which has largely been taken out, but we're not sure who's rising yet, as soon as we're able to figure out that portion, we will be able to continue squeezing them," he said.

Despite the complexity of ceasefire and diplomatic negotiations, Grenell said Trump is balancing patience with urgency.

"President Trump will have great patience, but he won't have patience that will last for very long," he said.

"I've been working on this issue for 25 years," Grenell said.

"President Trump is the first one to actually take action rather than just talk, and we are on the cusp of a historic, incredible win for this region that people have been talking about for 25 years," he said.

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