Former national security adviser John Bolton is making it clear: if the goal is real change in Iran, now is not the time to hesitate—it’s the time to double down.
Speaking on Newsmax, Bolton voiced strong support for President Donald Trump’s objective of regime change, calling it not only justified, but achievable—if handled with patience and persistence. In other words, don’t expect instant results in a situation that’s been decades in the making. Shocking concept, right?
Bolton, who served during Trump’s first term, said the military side of the current operation appears to be progressing well. However, he pointed out that non-military efforts—arguably just as critical—are lagging behind. It’s a reminder that winning a conflict isn’t just about force, but about strategy across the board.
“I think it’s a worthwhile objective,” Bolton said, emphasizing that the Iranian regime is currently at one of its weakest points domestically. According to him, it has never been more unpopular since taking power in 1979—a detail that tends to get overlooked when critics act like nothing inside Iran is changing.
Bolton also pointed back to a message Trump posted earlier this year encouraging Iranian protesters to continue their demonstrations and take control of their institutions, noting that “help was on the way.” That, he argued, shows the administration’s intentions have been consistent from the start—even if some commentators are just now catching up.
When it comes to next steps, Bolton highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. He suggested the U.S. should focus on securing safe passage for international tankers while simultaneously blocking Iranian oil exports. Because, as he bluntly put it, funding your adversary through oil sales isn’t exactly a winning strategy.
He expressed some surprise that more attention hadn’t been given to the strait earlier, but noted that U.S. forces now seem increasingly confident in their ability to control the situation. Better late than never—especially when global energy markets are on the line.
Interestingly, Bolton downplayed the need to strike Iran’s Kharg Island, suggesting instead that controlling the flow of النفط (oil) through the strait could be a more effective move. It’s a strategic approach that prioritizes pressure over escalation—something critics often claim they want, but rarely acknowledge when it’s proposed.
Looking long-term, Bolton stressed that the real key to change lies within Iran itself. He described the opposition as widespread but disorganized, arguing that the U.S. should provide support—ranging from resources and communications tools to potentially even weapons, if requested.
“If we’re not going to put boots on the ground,” he said, “it’s going to be up to the people of Iran… to pull the regime apart.” In other words, empower those already fighting for change instead of pretending the problem will solve itself.
The takeaway here is simple: this isn’t about rushing—it’s about staying focused. Bolton’s message aligns with a broader reality the Trump administration has consistently emphasized: meaningful change requires resolve, not retreat.
And if this truly is the moment when the Iranian regime is most vulnerable, as Bolton suggests, then sticking with the strategy might just make all the difference.
