John Bolton, who used to work as Donald Trump’s national security adviser, says the president is sending clear signals that he wants to pull America out of the war with Iran. Bolton shared his views on how he interpreted that and the possible aftermath.
John Bolton comments on Donald Trump and Iran war
John Bolton, who also served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under George W. Bush, said Iranian negotiators are likely picking up on what he described as panic within the administration. Speaking to CNN, he pointed to Donald Trump’s frequent posts on Truth Social as a major factor shaping that perception.
“I think they smell panic in the White House,” Bolton said. “I think they can see Trump wants out of this. He‘s just he‘s broadcasting it almost every day. And it gives the Iranians enormous leverage they shouldn‘t have.” John Bolton suggested that Donald Trump’s approach to the Iran war is being driven more by domestic political concerns than by long-term strategic planning.
He linked this to the president’s declining approval ratings following the February strike on Iran, arguing that the administration failed to build public or political support ahead of the action.
“A large part of this is his fault,” Bolton said. “He made no effort whatever in the weeks and months before the attack to build the case for whatever his objectives were.” Bolton also criticized the lack of clarity around the administration’s goals in the Iran war. “We still don‘t know what his objectives were,” he said, adding that announcing details only after military action had begun reflected poor planning. “That‘s not how you do it. That‘s just Politics 101, domestically.”
The former adviser further questioned recent diplomatic decisions, including sending Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for negotiations. According to Bolton, that move may undermine the seriousness of U.S. efforts. “You shouldn‘t send the vice president,” Bolton told Dean. “He‘s one level below the president. We don‘t know that the people the Iranians are sending have any authority to commit their government to begin with.” His comments add to growing scrutiny of Trump’s handling of the Iran war.
Originally written by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory.
