{"id":29,"date":"2026-03-20T04:54:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T08:54:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jakony.com\/frontpage\/?p=29"},"modified":"2026-03-20T04:54:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T08:54:18","slug":"trump-is-trapped-in-iran-paying-the-price-for-not-thinking-this-through-john-bolton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jakony.com\/frontpage\/video\/trump-is-trapped-in-iran-paying-the-price-for-not-thinking-this-through-john-bolton\/","title":{"rendered":"Trump is trapped in Iran & \u2018paying the price\u2019 for not thinking this through | John Bolton"},"content":{"rendered":"

(WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES) – Former United States National Security Adviser John Bolton<\/span><\/span> has criticised the administration of Donald Trump<\/span><\/span> over its handling of the escalating conflict with Iran, saying the crisis could have been avoided or reduced through better planning and coordination.<\/p>\n

Speaking in an interview, Bolton said the situation represented \u201cone more problem\u201d that could have been mitigated with advance preparation. He argued that the administration failed to build support domestically and internationally before taking action.<\/p>\n

The interview, hosted by Maddie Hale on The Trump Report<\/em>, focused on tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Trump\u2019s warning to NATO allies that they faced a \u201cvery bad future\u201d if they did not contribute naval forces, including minesweepers and escort vessels. Several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan and Australia, have either declined or expressed caution over joining a United States led coalition.<\/p>\n

Bolton said that while he supported the objective of regime change in Iran as a means to address nuclear and security concerns, the administration had not laid the necessary groundwork. He cited failures to consult Congress, engage allies or coordinate with Iranian opposition groups before the conflict.<\/p>\n

He added that, in standard practice, a coalition is formed before military action begins. In this case, he said, the coalition effectively consisted only of the United States and Israel, limiting broader international support.<\/p>\n

Bolton also criticised the method used to seek allied participation, noting that public demands or statements placed partners under pressure and reduced the likelihood of cooperation. He said this approach risked making allies appear to submit to pressure, which they generally resist.<\/p>\n

The remarks followed earlier statements by Trump dismissing the importance of allies, including comments that the United States did not need countries that joined conflicts after victory. Bolton described the administration\u2019s approach as contradictory, noting the tension between criticising NATO and then requesting military assistance.<\/p>\n

He said Trump\u2019s decision making style lacked structured strategy, describing it as driven by sudden impulses rather than detailed planning. According to Bolton, advisers appeared reluctant to challenge decisions or present alternative options.<\/p>\n

Bolton said risks linked to Iranian retaliation, including the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, had long been understood. He noted that such scenarios were raised during his time in office between 2018 and 2019 but were not adequately addressed in current planning.<\/p>\n

He pointed to the evolution of warfare, including the increased use of low cost drones capable of deploying naval mines, as a factor complicating the security of shipping lanes. While naval escorts can provide some protection, he said mines remain a primary threat in the narrow waterway.<\/p>\n

Bolton said recent military action had demonstrated that missile defence systems can intercept incoming threats, though not with complete reliability. He argued that Iran would inevitably respond to any perceived existential threat in an effort to maintain its leadership.<\/p>\n

The interview also addressed wider geopolitical implications, including rising global oil prices and the potential benefits to Russia. Higher prices strengthen Moscow\u2019s revenues at a time when it faces military pressure in Ukraine.<\/p>\n

Bolton criticised the easing of sanctions on Russia, arguing that economic pressure should instead be intensified. He proposed stronger international efforts to target so called ghost ships used to transport sanctioned oil.<\/p>\n

He also warned that the situation could encourage further instability, including increased support by Iran for militant activities and renewed development of nuclear capabilities if the current conflict does not result in lasting change.<\/p>\n

Bolton said that failure to achieve stated objectives could worsen the situation compared to before the conflict, as Iran would learn from the impact of disrupting global energy markets.<\/p>\n

He added that the United States should continue efforts until its objectives are met, arguing that partial measures risk emboldening Tehran. However, he acknowledged that predicting a timeline for any resolution remained difficult.<\/p>\n

The interview further highlighted concerns about China\u2019s military activity near Taiwan, which Bolton said could be an attempt to test responses while the United States and its allies are focused elsewhere.<\/p>\n

He concluded that the current crisis reflected a broader lack of strategic preparation and alliance management, stating that effective diplomacy requires coordination in advance of military action.<\/p>\n