Any memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran should be viewed as "surrender terms" rather than a traditional negotiated agreement, because Tehran has already been defeated militarily, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt told Newsmax Sunday.
Speaking on Newsmax's "Sunday Agenda," Holt responded to President Donald Trump's announcement that a memorandum of understanding with Iran was expected to be signed.
"No matter what happens, when you hear the word deal, just understand you should insert the words surrender terms because we've won this," Holt said. "It's not about whether we have the leverage to see this through or not see this through. We have defeated them militarily."
Holt said Iran is seeking terms that would allow the country to continue operating under a model similar to Venezuela's. However, he pointed to Israeli opposition as a potential obstacle to any agreement.
"Israel doesn't like the deal. They weren't consulted on it," Holt said, noting that Israeli military actions in Beirut could delay the signing or derail the process entirely.
He said the situation would require significant diplomacy between Washington and Tel Aviv.
"It's not about whether Israel is an ally or not. They are an ally. But sometimes allies get misaligned in strategy and their interests, and we're seeing that play out here," Holt said.
Later in the interview, Holt addressed Trump's suggestion that an "ultimate alternative," which has been construed by some to mean a nuclear weapon, could be used against Iran if a deal is not reached.
On Saturday, Trump posted on Truth Social that "Hopefully, this process will all work out quickly, easily, and smoothly. If it doesn’t, we have the ultimate alternative, hopefully never to be used again!"
"I hate this type of rhetoric," Holt said. "I'm a baby of the Cold War. These are words that you just don't use for a variety of reasons because of miscalculation and intent."
Holt said references to nuclear weapons carry significant consequences and should be treated with caution.
"These are words that carry great gravity," he said.
While saying he understood Trump's frustration and believed the remarks were intended to influence the Iranian public, Holt said he takes such statements seriously because of his military background and experience.
"I understand his words are meant for an Iranian public, but we too, here in the United States, have to digest those words," Holt said. "I get completely why he's stating that. He is getting their attention. But these words carry great gravity."
Holt also called for continued efforts to support political change in Iran, saying the United States should "liberate Iran" and assist what he described as a revolution within the country.
He said a friendlier Iranian government could ultimately reduce the need for a large U.S. military presence in the region.
"Iran can become a country that's very friendly to the United States and our interests, which means we can actually decrease and start to take back military force from the region," Holt said.
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