1 hour ago
Last Updated:March 13, 2026, 19:52 IST
John Bolton criticised Trump for not clearly explaining the rationale for war against Iran, advocating for regime change due to Iran's nuclear ambitions and support for militants.
Former US NSA John Bolton. (Image: AFP/File)
Former US Security Advisor John Bolton has said the case for war against Iran was never adequately explained to the American public or Congress, arguing that the lack of a clear strategy could weaken support as the conflict intensifies.
Speaking in an interview with Firstpost, Bolton said there is a strong argument for regime change in Iran due to Tehran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and its support for militant groups worldwide. However, he criticised US President Donald Trump for failing to clearly articulate the broader objective behind the war.
The former national security advisor said Washington had spent decades attempting diplomacy to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but those efforts had failed. Despite this, he argued that the Trump administration did not adequately prepare the public or lawmakers for a shift toward regime change.
According to him, the problem stems partly from what he described as Trump’s shifting objectives.
“Explaining your rationale when you don’t know what your goals are is more than a little difficult," he said, adding that the administration had put itself in a difficult position as the war continues.
Bolton warned that rising casualties and disruptions such as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could erode public support if Americans do not understand the stakes.
Civilian casualties and investigations
He also addressed reports that a US missile strike hit a school in Iran, killing several students. He said there was no evidence the building had been deliberately targeted.
He suggested the site may previously have been part of an Iranian naval complex and that US intelligence may not have been aware it had been converted into a school.
“If it turns out it was our responsibility, we should apologise and make recompense," he said, while insisting that the strike would not have been intentional.
Regional tensions and Gulf response
Bolton rejected suggestions that Gulf states would oppose the campaign against Iran, saying many governments in the region want the current leadership in Tehran removed.
He pointed to Iranian attacks on American bases and civilian targets across the Gulf — including airports, hotels and oil infrastructure — as evidence of the threat posed by the regime.
According to Bolton, rather than intimidating Gulf governments, these actions have strengthened security cooperation between the United States and regional allies.
Economic and strategic concerns
The former US official also warned that the conflict could trigger wider economic consequences, particularly if oil prices rise or shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.
Higher fuel prices, he said, would pose a political challenge for Trump at home.
Bolton argued that Washington should have anticipated Iran’s attempts to disrupt the waterway, calling a lack of preparation close to “malpractice."
Iran’s internal pressures
Despite the risks, Bolton said the Iranian leadership faces deep internal dissatisfaction, citing economic hardship, youth unrest and women-led protests following the death of Mahsa Amini.
He said protests had spread across all 31 provinces and that a majority of Iranians, particularly younger citizens, oppose the rule of the clerical establishment that has governed since the Iranian Revolution.
Bolton said any transition after the fall of the current leadership would likely involve a temporary military government before the Iranians decide on a new constitutional structure.
War unlikely to end soon
Asked whether the conflict could end within weeks, Bolton said that outcome was unlikely.
He added that the war’s direction ultimately depends on Trump’s objectives, warning that the US president could still declare victory and withdraw even without achieving regime change.
“That’s Donald Trump," Bolton said, adding that the unpredictability of his leadership remains a major factor shaping the conflict’s trajectory.
Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:
March 13, 2026, 19:52 IST
News world 'Trump Failed To Make Case For Iran War': Former US NSA Warns Warns Conflict Could Drag On
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
