“My personal preference is for regime change in Iran, as I don’t believe any of the fundamental issues can be resolved—neither the nuclear threat, nor the terror threat, nor the prospect of closure of the Strait of Hormuz—until that government is removed,” Bolton remarked, emphasizing that the current regime is at the heart of the problem.
Bolton emphasized that attempts to modify Iran’s actions have failed for decades. “If you can’t alter a regime’s conduct… the logical conclusion is to change the regime,” he stated, noting that the root of the problem lies not just in policies but in the power structure in Tehran.
Advocating for a more aggressive stance, Bolton asserted that ongoing military pressure is crucial to erode the regime internally. “I believe that maintaining military operations to destabilize the regime is the correct strategy,” he said. He proposed targeting pivotal institutions like the Revolutionary Guard and bolstering internal dissent to hasten the regime’s downfall. “What we truly need to do is support the Iranian people… helping them with material aid, communication tools, financial support, and even weapons if they desire,” he added.
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He also voiced skepticism regarding the ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran, stating that the likelihood of any breakthrough is minimal. “The two sides… indicate that there’s nearly no overlap at all,” he mentioned, adding, “I doubt that even if there are discussions, there’s any chance of reaching an agreement.”
Bolton criticized the US administration’s approach to the conflict, pointing to an absence of a clear strategy. Commenting on the deployment of additional troops, he remarked, “It reflects a failure of strategic thought that they are only being deployed now at the last minute.”
Regarding the broader conflict, Bolton indicated that Iran’s behavior—such as threats to disrupt global oil supply—has been entirely foreseeable. He cautioned that as long as the present regime is in power, such dangers will continue. “Anyone claiming surprise simply hasn’t been paying attention,” he stated.
While ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open is essential for the global energy market, Bolton underscored that tactical goals should not overshadow the larger objective. Even if Iran’s capabilities are diminished, he warned that the threat will resurface if the regime persists. “Even if weakened, if the regime survives… it will be just as significant a threat… as it was previously.”
He also discussed the humanitarian implications of the conflict, labeling a recent strike that resulted in civilian casualties as “a tragedy” but insisted it was unintentional and does not alter the overarching strategic considerations.
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Bolton affirmed that the US must prioritize supporting internal opposition in Iran to facilitate change. “We need to assist them in making the change within Iran… to remove that regime,” he concluded, highlighting that only then can a stable and peaceful order be achieved.
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