Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has sharply criticized President Donald Trump's approach to Iran. In a speech on April 17, Bolton described the Trump administration's efforts to reach a deal with Tehran as 'clearly desperate.'
Bolton, who served as national security advisor under Trump from 2018 to 2019, argued that the current White House strategy is undermining America's position. He criticized the administration for repeatedly signaling a willingness to negotiate without securing proportional concessions from Iran.
Bolton's remarks come amid ongoing US-Iran tensions, particularly after Washington withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and imposed severe economic sanctions. Tehran has since exceeded many uranium enrichment limits set by the deal.
Bolton, known for his hardline stance on Iran, said the US should instead remain firm on sanctions and maximum pressure tactics, rather than sending signals of eagerness to negotiate. He warned that appearing too eager to talk could be seen by Iran as a sign of weakness and reduce the chances of a favorable agreement for Washington.
The comments highlight deep divisions within US security and foreign policy circles over how to approach Iran, even as the Trump administration continues to seek a diplomatic exit to the prolonged crisis.
