Former Rep. Pete King told Newsmax on Sunday he's skeptical Iran will comply with the memorandum of understanding reached Wednesday with the U.S., arguing the Trump administration must make clear that Tehran cannot dictate terms in negotiations.
The New York Republican told "Wake Up America Weekend" he hopes ongoing talks led by Vice President JD Vance in Switzerland produce results but questioned how America would respond if Iran violates the agreement.
"Well, I would hope the talks go forward with some success," King said. "I am skeptical, though, because I don't know what we would do if Iran does not comply."
King pointed to President Donald Trump's warning that the U.S. could use military force if Iran tries to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route.
"Basically, the president has said that we [will] use military power again [if] Iran shuts down the Strait of Hormuz," King said. "That can cause a massive depression. So, in effect, we're giving Iran the upper hand with the economy over our military."
The former congressman also expressed concern that negotiations involving regional de-escalation between Israel and Hezbollah could create what he called a false equivalence between the sides.
"I'm concerned about this moral equivalence between Hezbollah and Israel," King said. "Hezbollah is an arm of Iran, there's no doubt about it. And they are the largest international terror organization, state-controlled terror organization."
King said Hezbollah maintains operatives in America, including in New York City.
Despite his concerns, King said Trump remains a strong leader and that the U.S. should ultimately maintain leverage over Tehran.
"Donald Trump is a strong leader, and ultimately we should hold all the cards," he said. "But I'm not overly confident going forward."
Asked whether a lasting agreement is possible, given Iran's insistence on its right to enrich uranium and the U.S. position that Tehran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon, King said Washington should not negotiate as though it's on equal footing with Iran.
"We're a major power. They're a terrorist state, and we have the power to crush them if we want to," King said.
He added that Vance should make clear that "we're not treating them as equals" and that "Iran is not going to be able to threaten to shut down the strait again."
King also defended Israel's right to respond to attacks by Hezbollah.
"Hezbollah ... cannot be allowed to attack Israel without Israel having the right to respond and respond forcefully," he said.
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