Former national security adviser John Bolton warned that leaving Iran's current leadership in place could lead to renewed threats, arguing that a weakened government would quickly rebuild its capabilities.
"If we leave that wounded beast of a regime in power in Iran, it will build back all of its capabilities," Bolton said in a CBS News interview, describing the outcome as a potential "significant strategic defeat."
Bolton's remarks directly challenge assertions by President Donald Trump that recent developments amount to "total regime change." Asked to assess those claims, Bolton said replacing top officials does not fundamentally alter the system. "The regime is the Islamic revolution, and the faces may be different, but the views are the same, or if anything, even more extreme," he said, adding there is "no evidence" that new figures would abandon nuclear ambitions or regional activities.
Bolton also pointed to contradictions in the administration's messaging, noting that U.S. officials have described ongoing negotiations while Iranian authorities deny they are taking place. "We have a fundamental problem there," Bolton said.
The former adviser suggested the White House's approach may be influenced by domestic political concerns. He said the president appears to be trying "to create the impression that it's about to end to help keep the markets optimistic," but warned that such messaging "can only last so long." According to Bolton, decisions appear driven in part by concerns over fuel prices and political fallout rather than long-term strategy.
Bolton argued that the current situation could be more dangerous than inaction. He said expectations earlier in the year that Washington was pursuing regime change may have emboldened both supporters and opponents inside Iran. "If you haven't thought through what you might encounter... then don't start it to begin with," he said, emphasizing the risks of entering a conflict without a clear plan.
He also raised concerns about security implications beyond the region, citing Iran's history of asymmetric warfare. "We've had terrorist incidents in this country since the war began. I think we can expect more," Bolton said, adding that Gulf allies have warned against leaving Iran in a position to expand its influence over energy routes.
In a separate interview with Vox last week, Bolton expanded on his criticism, arguing that the administration failed to prepare both domestically and internationally for a campaign centered on regime change. "You need to prepare the American public for the steps necessary to affect regime change," he said, adding that the White House did not make the case "why it's in our national interest."
He also pointed to a lack of coordination with lawmakers and allies. "You need to prepare Congress... instead of leaving them in the dark," Bolton said, while noting that building an international coalition "before the war starts, not after," is a standard step that was not followed.
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