A temporary pause in U.S. strikes against Iran reflects military logistics rather than any shift in President Donald Trump's strategy to force Tehran into surrender, retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt said Sunday on Newsmax.
"Logistics is always going to be a concern in every single military operation," Holt told Newsmax's "Sunday Report." "That's not going to influence whether the United States is going to beg what's left of this regime in Iran to some sort of table."
He said reports of dwindling Patriot missile stockpiles are a normal concern during any prolonged military campaign, but they should not be interpreted as a weakening of the U.S. position.
Meanwhile, Holt commented that Trump's approach throughout the conflict has been to apply military pressure while leaving the door open for Iran to surrender.
"What President Trump's preference has been during this whole thing is, we will hit you, we will stop and see if you've had enough, and you're going to come to a surrender table," he said. "If you don't, and you're disingenuous, then we're going to hit you again."
During the pause in airstrikes, Holt said the United States is continuing to weaken Iran's military capabilities and support opposition to the regime.
"What we are doing is taking this time to decrement the combat power of the IRGC," he said. "We're taking this time to encourage and get material support to a future revolution."
Despite the possibility of negotiations, Holt said he remains skeptical that Tehran is prepared to make meaningful concessions.
"If they want to talk, they can talk," he said. "But I only place about a 5% chance of success in something that breaks through."
Holt also weighed in after Trump warned China and Russia against becoming involved in the conflict on Iran's behalf.
"I think they already have taken it seriously," he said.
Holt said both countries have largely remained on the sidelines and warned that the administration would not tolerate foreign assistance that helped Iran target American forces.
"We're not going to tolerate targeting assistance against our bases that is helped from either Beijing or Moscow," he said.
He added that supply routes from both countries into Iran have already been disrupted.
"All of the logistics supply lines from Beijing and Moscow to Iran are hammered and severed, and there is no material support available to them," Holt said.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com