John Bolton: 'I Would Not Have Started This War if the Objective Were Not Regime Change' | DW News

Why It Matters

Bolton’s remarks highlight that without a clear, politically backed regime‑change strategy, the U.S. risks a protracted, destabilizing conflict in the Middle East that could hurt global oil markets and erode American credibility.

Key Takeaways

• Bolton says war lacks political preparation and clear regime‑change case.
• Military campaign progressing, but opposition inside Iran remains crucial.
• Without US troops, regime change could rely on army defections.
• Failure to achieve regime change risks harsher repression and regional instability.
• Bolton urges persistence; premature exit would leave wounded, vengeful regime.

Summary

John Bolton, former U.S. national security adviser, warned that the ongoing U.S.-Israel military operation against Iran is being pursued without a solid political foundation or a clear case presented to Congress and allies. He argued that President Trump failed to articulate why regime change is a logical, compelling policy, leaving the administration surprised by rising oil prices and unprepared for the war’s broader ramifications. Bolton praised the military’s execution, noting strikes have damaged Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and weakened the Revolutionary Guard. However, he stressed that success hinges on internal Iranian opposition, defections from the regular army, and a fractured leadership willing to abandon the regime. He dismissed diplomatic avenues, labeling the regime’s ideology as incompatible with negotiation. A striking comment summed up his stance: “If the objective were not regime change, I would not have started this war.” He also warned that a premature U.S. withdrawal would leave a wounded, more vengeful regime, potentially prompting harsher repression of Iran’s populace and further destabilizing Gulf states, Iraq, and Kurdish regions. The interview underscores the strategic risk of a military campaign lacking a coherent political endgame. Without decisive commitment to regime change, the U.S. faces prolonged conflict, regional volatility, and damage to its credibility, while global oil markets remain vulnerable to disruptions.

Original Description

Since the beginning of the Iran war, the US, Israel, and Iran have unleashed a barrage of strikes across the region. US President Donald Trump has delivered a contradictory forecast for how long the United States will continue to fight in Iran and what will be the ultimate goal of the war.

John Bolton served as US National Security Adviser during the first Trump administration. He also served as US ambassador to the United Nations during the administration of George W. Bush. Bolton tells DW why he's afraid Trump 'will leave the battle before the regime has changed.'

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