John Bolton Calls for Iran Regime Change for Middle East Peace

Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has stated that achieving lasting peace and security in the Middle East is impossible without overthrowing the regime in Tehran. He believes that deposing the Iranian leadership is the sole path to ensuring long-term regional stability.

Bolton acknowledged that strikes by the U.S. and Israel have already inflicted significant damage on the Iranian regime. However, he admitted that the U.S. has made mistakes in the ongoing confrontation, though he believes the objective can still be achieved with careful planning.

In separate remarks, Bolton criticized U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, questioning his qualifications for the Pentagon leadership. Bolton suggested Hegseth might have been better suited for a role like Pentagon press secretary, given his experience, and stated, "He is clearly not coping with his position and the job has proven too much for him."

Addressing civilian casualties during military operations, Bolton conceded that such incidents unfortunately occur. He emphasized that the U.S. does not aim for civilian deaths and that mistakes should be openly acknowledged. Bolton added that the U.S. should not be ashamed to admit its miscalculations when analysis reveals errors.

Previously, Bolton had warned that former President Trump's policy toward Iran overlooked the threat of plutonium, cautioning about potential nuclear weapons material stockpiles in Tehran.