Bolton: Regime Change in Iran is Key to US Security

Bolton Urges Regime Change in Iran for Long-Term US Security

In a recent interview, former National Security Advisor John Bolton asserted that the most effective and arguably only way to ensure America’s long-term security is through regime change in Iran. Bolton, who also served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, characterized the current Iranian regime as an unchangeable entity, driven by its pursuit of nuclear weapons and its consistent support for international terrorism. He believes the regime’s behavior is fundamentally incompatible with global stability and American interests.

Assessing Iran’s Domestic Weakness and Regional Threats

Despite the authoritarian nature of the Iranian government, Bolton suggested that the regime is currently at its weakest point since its inception in 1979. However, he cautioned that this internal vulnerability does not preclude a forceful response from the theocratic extremists seeking to maintain power. Bolton emphasized that any efforts to support the Iranian opposition require patience and persistence, predicting that success, if achieved, would likely take months rather than days or weeks.

The former National Security Advisor expressed concern about the potential for escalating conflict, particularly following recent strikes. He noted that Iran’s retaliatory actions, including attacks on neighboring countries and a missile launch targeting a British base in Cyprus, demonstrate its determination to cling to power. Bolton argued that these actions make the use of force against Iran not only necessary but also prudent from the perspective of American national security. He pointed to Iran’s support for groups like Hamas, which attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, as further evidence of the existential threat the regime poses to the region and beyond.

“The current regime and its effort to get deliverable nuclear weapons and its long-standing support for international terrorism, isn’t going to change its behavior. And the only way to protect America in the long term is to change the regime.”

John Bolton

Disagreement on Strategy and Presidential Intentions

Bolton appeared to draw a distinction between the stated intentions of the current administration and his own long-held views on Iran. He referenced comments from the Defense Secretary describing operations as decisive and aimed at destroying specific threats, contrasting this with President Trump’s stated goal of regime change. Bolton clarified that regime change, in his view, entails dismantling the entire structure of the Ayatollahs and the Revolutionary Guard, not merely replacing the Supreme Leader.

He also commented on the internal dynamics within the Trump administration, suggesting that isolationist elements may be surprised by the President’s willingness to engage in actions against Iran, something Bolton himself had advocated for years prior. Bolton suggested that these elements might be struggling to reconcile the President’s actions with their own foreign policy philosophies.

Public Opinion and Political Messaging

Addressing the domestic political landscape, Bolton acknowledged a recent poll indicating that only one in four Americans support the strikes on Iran. While acknowledging President Trump’s assertion that he prioritizes doing the right thing over public opinion, Bolton suggested that the President should indeed be mindful of polls and improve his efforts to garner public support. He humorously suggested that figures like J.D. Vance could be deployed to articulate the President’s position to the MAGA base.

Bolton also touched upon the apparent contradiction between President Trump’s base, which largely favored an end to foreign entanglements, and the current military actions. He stated that voters may have misjudged the candidate they supported. However, he reiterated the strong national security argument for confronting Iran, citing the regime’s 47-year history of chanting “Death to America” and its ongoing nuclear ambitions as clear and present dangers that have been ignored for too long.

Looking Ahead: A Prolonged Struggle

As the situation unfolds, Bolton’s perspective suggests that the conflict with Iran, should it escalate, is unlikely to be a short-term engagement. His emphasis on the necessity of regime change points towards a strategy that requires sustained pressure and support for internal opposition. The coming weeks and months will likely reveal whether the current administration possesses the long-term commitment and strategic clarity that Bolton believes is essential for safeguarding American interests against the persistent threat posed by the Iranian regime.

Source: John Bolton: 'Only way' to protect America in the long-term is to change Iranian regime (YouTube)