President Donald Trump's use of military force after Iran violated the first ceasefire appears to be having an effect during the current pause in negotiations between the two countries, former National Security Council Chief of Staff Fred Fleitz told Newsmax on Sunday.
Appearing on "Wake Up America Weekend" with co-hosts Kyle Lowder and Kenzie Beach, Fleitz said the latest round of diplomacy has resumed only after Trump responded decisively when Iran allegedly broke the earlier ceasefire.
"Well, it's hopeful that there are talks underway," Fleitz said. "That's because President Trump responded with overwhelming force when the Iranians broke the ceasefire."
The former CIA analyst said Iran's public messaging remains hostile despite the renewed diplomatic contacts.
He described funeral ceremonies for Iran's slain supreme leader as another example of a regime "obsessed with hatred" and "obsessed with death," arguing the government has impoverished its own people by spending billions on weapons programs instead of addressing basic needs.
Fleitz noted that although Tehran publicly denied it would participate in negotiations or make concessions, reports indicate Iranian officials have agreed to allow international inspectors back into the country.
He cautioned, however, that it remains unclear whether Iran will honor the ceasefire or make meaningful compromises when talks are scheduled to resume July 11.
"We have to be doubtful," Fleitz said, while adding that continued negotiations are nevertheless an encouraging development.
Joining Fleitz on the program, former Trump foreign policy adviser and author Walid Phares argued that Iran's military position has been dramatically weakened following recent U.S. strikes ordered by Trump.
"There is no force on Earth with the size of Iran and the Islamic regime ... that can withstand our military," Phares said. "That's why they have accepted the principle of negotiations."
Phares warned, however, that the regime's ideology has not fundamentally changed despite its willingness to negotiate.
"There is no [Mikhail] Gorbachev," he said, rejecting the notion that meaningful reformers have emerged within Iran's leadership. "It's all the same one ideology."
Phares also pointed to reports that Iranian leaders continue to threaten Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that such threats complicate any future agreement.
He said the administration should remain skeptical because Tehran may believe political changes in the U.S. after the 2026 midterm elections could improve its negotiating position.
Trump highlighted the effectiveness of the U.S. military during his July Fourth remarks, declaring that American forces had achieved "tremendous success" against adversaries, including Iran.
The administration has maintained that any lasting agreement with Tehran must include strict verification measures and prevent Iran from rebuilding its military or advancing its nuclear ambitions while negotiations continue amid a fragile ceasefire.
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