Bolton: Iran Regime Must Go for Mideast Peace

Bolton Calls for Iran Regime Change

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has strongly advocated for the removal of the current Iranian regime, stating it is the only path to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. Speaking in a recent interview, Bolton argued that the Iranian government is inherently untrustworthy and cannot be relied upon to uphold any agreements it makes.

Bolton expressed concern over President Trump’s approach to Iran, particularly the extension of a ceasefire without a clear deadline. He believes this signals weakness to Iran and could embolden them. “I don’t think the Iranians have the upper hand here, but I think they think they have the upper hand, and that’s dangerous,” Bolton stated.

Regime Change: A Historical Perspective

Bolton drew a historical parallel, noting that many believed engaging with Iran through negotiations would lead to moderation. However, he argued that the regime’s core ideology has not changed in the 47 years since they took power. This, he contends, proves that the current government cannot be negotiated with in good faith.

“The only lasting solution to bring peace and instability in the Middle East is for this regime to go,” Bolton declared. He believes that Iran’s current actions only serve to further prove this point.

Concerns Over a New Deal

The interview touched upon reports suggesting President Trump is facing a potential negotiated exit with Iran that mirrors some of the difficult choices made during the Obama administration. These reports mention the possibility of releasing billions in frozen assets and imposing limits on Iran’s nuclear program that may eventually expire.

Bolton firmly advised against such a deal. He suggested that the President, having started a course of action without clear objectives, is now looking for a way to declare victory prematurely. “I think that almost inevitably leads to a bad deal for America and a bad deal for America’s friends in the region,” he warned.

Consequences of Past Decisions

Bolton highlighted the current state of affairs, noting that Iran is further along in uranium enrichment than it was before. He also pointed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has impacted the global economy, and the deaths of at least 13 American service members. He acknowledged that withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal was the correct move, calling it a terrible agreement.

However, he questioned whether the current situation is even worse and less secure than before. Bolton mentioned that while the US has inflicted significant damage on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, Iran’s survival is seen as a victory in their eyes.

The Plutonium Pathway

A critical point raised by Bolton concerned the Bushehr nuclear reactor. He cited experts who believe there is enough plutonium in the spent fuel from this reactor to produce 200 nuclear weapons. Bolton emphasized that while much attention is given to uranium enrichment, plutonium represents another path to nuclear weapons that Iran has not been impeded on.

“So everybody talks about uranium enrichment, but there are two paths to nuclear weapons. The plutonium path, Iran has not been impeded at all a bit, not in 2015 and not today,” Bolton stated. This adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Looking Ahead

The conversation highlighted the deep divisions and ongoing debates surrounding U.S. policy toward Iran. The potential for a new agreement and the long-term implications for regional stability and global security remain key points of discussion.

Future discussions will likely focus on the details of any potential negotiations and the effectiveness of current U.S. strategies in addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence. The findings regarding the plutonium potential at Bushehr will also require further investigation.

Source: 'This is not a government you can negotiate with': Bolton says Iranian regime needs 'to go' (YouTube)