US President-elect Donald Trump is considering former intelligence chief Richard Grenell to be a special envoy for Iran, according to two people familiar with transition plans. Grenell’s involvement in the role has not been previously reported.
Grenell would be tasked with speaking with countries in and beyond the region about the Iran issue and assessing Tehran’s willingness to negotiate. The move is seen as a signal that Trump may be open to talks with Iran, despite previous threats from the country.
Iran has denied claims that its elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have sought to assassinate Trump. However, tensions between the US and Iran remain high due to ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump’s team has not made any final decisions on personnel or strategy for the role yet. Grenell previously served as ambassador to Germany, special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations, and acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s term in office.
The US has imposed economic sanctions on Iran since 2018, re-imposing them after Barack Obama’s nuclear deal was scrapped. In recent months, Iran has accelerated its nuclear program and increased uranium enrichment to up to 60% purity.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-considers-ex-intelligence-chief-richard-grenell-iran-position-sources-say-2024-12-12