Retired General Warns U.S. and Israel Should Avoid Military Action Against Iran as Regime Collapses

Retired Air Force Brigadier General Blaine Holt warned Monday that the United States and Israel should exercise restraint on Iran, cautioning against rushing into military action as the Iranian regime shows signs of internal collapse.

Holt reacted to President Donald Trump’s comments signaling resolve against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The retired general noted alignment between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been achieved, stating: “The two leaders today had to get themselves aligned. President Trump’s leadership is going to be essential here.”

Trump earlier warned that the United States would respond forcefully if Iran attempts to rebuild its military or nuclear capabilities, saying any renewed threat from Tehran would bring consequences “more powerful” than previous actions.

Holt emphasized: “I would be a bit loathe to accept outright that there needs to be bombs dropping on Iran.”

Instead, he pointed to growing unrest within Iran, including massive protests and labor strikes as indicators of the regime’s weakening.

“We’re seeing the people themselves start to take matters into their own hands — massive protests across the country, debilitating strikes,” Holt said. “You should be very careful when your enemy is in the process of destroying themselves. Maybe hit pause here a little bit.”

Holt added that Trump’s meeting with Netanyahu helped reconcile differing perspectives: “I think President Trump and him got reconciled on that with the in-person meeting.”