Retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Blaine Holt said on Sunday that a temporary pause in U.S. strikes against Iran reflects military logistics concerns rather than any shift in President Donald Trump’s strategy to compel Tehran into surrender.
“Logistics is always going to be a concern in every single military operation,” he told reporters. “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.”
Holt noted that reports of dwindling Patriot missile stockpiles are a normal concern during prolonged military campaigns but should not be interpreted as a weakening of U.S. position. He added that President Trump’s approach has been to apply military pressure while leaving the door open for Iran to surrender.
“What President Trump’s preference has been throughout this conflict 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,” Holt said. “If you don’t, and you’re disingenuous, then we’re going to hit you again.”
During the pause in airstrikes, Holt stated that the United States is continuing to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and support opposition groups within the regime. “What we are doing is taking this time to decrement the combat power of the IRGC,” he explained. “We’re taking this time to encourage and get material support for a future revolution.”
Despite the possibility of negotiations, Holt expressed skepticism 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 addressed President Trump’s warning to China and Russia not to become involved on Iran’s behalf. “I think they already have taken it seriously,” he stated. The retired general added that both countries have largely remained on the sidelines and warned 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 supported by either Beijing or Moscow,” Holt said. He further noted that supply routes from China and Russia into Iran have 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.”
