Bolton On Iran Strike: Only One Who Believes In Total Nuclear Obliteration Is Trump

In a sharp critique of President Donald Trump’s recent claims, John Bolton, who served as his national security advisor, told i24NEWS that while Trump’s military actions against Iran were noteworthy, they fell far short of eliminating Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.

“Trump called the raid of the B-2s the total and complete obliteration of Iran’s nuclear weapons program,” Bolton said. “There’s only one person in the world who believes that, and that’s Donald Trump—if he believes it.”

During an interview ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled third sit-down with Trump in half a year, Bolton spoke bluntly about what he saw as Trump’s true motivation in calling for a ceasefire: not strategic necessity, but political image.

“He wanted a ceasefire because he wants the Nobel Peace Prize,” Bolton said, attributing the move to a desire for international accolades rather than long-term policy. “This was not strategic thinking — it stopped short of what we should have done.”

Bolton also expressed concern that Trump’s eagerness to push for a deal in Gaza could undercut Israel’s broader security needs and regional strategy.

“Trump doesn’t think in long-term security objectives,” he said. “He thinks about how to enhance his own reputation.”

Pointing to Iran’s weakened air defense systems after the U.S. strikes, Bolton advocated for coordinated action by both the United States and Israel, including supporting domestic opposition to the Iranian regime in hopes of toppling it. “If there’s no regime change in Tehran, there’s not going to be peace and stability in the Middle East at any point,” he said.

He labeled Iran as the central source of instability across the region, arguing that meaningful change can only occur once the current leadership is ousted.

Bolton also urged caution for Netanyahu during his visit, warning that although Trump is preoccupied with burnishing his image, Israel’s leadership must stay focused on neutralizing Hamas and thwarting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“This will be a very consequential meeting,” Bolton said. “If Netanyahu wants to stop Iran, he must ensure Israel retains the freedom to act — with or without U.S. involvement.”

{Matzav.com}