While supporting President Donald Trump's strategic patience after Iran's provocations in the Middle East, former NATO Supreme Commander Adm. James Stavridis warns Iran is "heading for a collision" unless it "changes course."
"The United States is preparing retaliatory strikes," Adm. Stavridis told "The Cats Roundtable" on 970 AM-N.Y. "President Trump stepped back. I think it was wise to do so when he was confronted with the high possibility of collateral damage yesterday. The strikes, I think, are on hold at the moment.
"But Iran needs to understand that this administration is very serious about wanting to change Iranian behavior. Until [Iran] changes course, they are headed for a collision."
President Trump's move toward diplomacy over a military strike was the right thing to do now, but the ball is now back in Iran's court to respond with diplomacy over aggression, Adm. Stavridis told host John Catsimatidis.
"I think [Trump's pause] allows a moment for both sides to realize that we're headed into a true confrontation which could result in ships sinking – could result in the closing of the Strait of Hormuz," Adm. Stavridis said.
"Neither side has an interest in doing that. I hope the Iranians will take advantage of the fact that the President held back and will come to negotiate with [Iran], which is an offer the president correctly put on the table."
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