On Sunday, former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton said the ceasefire involving Iran has been a strategic mistake, giving Tehran time to rebuild its military and warning that stronger action may be needed to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, Bolton wrote that "the ceasefire in Iran has only benefited the regime," arguing it allowed Tehran to recover and begin rebuilding its arsenal. "We will look back on this lengthy ceasefire and come to realize it was a mistake," he said.
In a CNN interview, Bolton expanded on that view, saying the pause in fighting had given Iran time to "pick themselves up off the ground" and resume production of drones and potentially ballistic missiles. "The six weeks of ceasefire, I think, have benefited only Iran," he said.
Bolton also argued that negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz were inadequate. "This idea that they and the Omanis are negotiating what toll rates will be and the like is unacceptable," he said, urging stronger action by the United States and Gulf allies. He added that restoring deterrence may require limited military operations targeting drone launch sites and maritime infrastructure. Pressed on U.S. involvement, Bolton said "a fairly limited boots on the ground" presence could be warranted for specific missions. He warned that easing pressure on Iran risks allowing it to rebuild missile, drone, and nuclear capabilities.
Iran has denied any agreement with Washington over its nuclear program. Talks reportedly include no binding nuclear commitments and leave key issues for later negotiation. President Donald Trump said the U.S. and Iran had "largely negotiated" a deal to end months of hostilities, though it still required final approval and would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran reportedly had not agreed to dismantle its nuclear program or halt related activities.
Senators criticized a potential ceasefire framework, with Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) calling a rumored 60-day pause "a disaster." Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) warned that it could strengthen Iran's regional power and threaten stability around the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also posted an AI-generated image of a bomb on Truth Social, as GOP lawmakers raised concerns that the emerging Iran deal could weaken U.S. leverage and concede too much in ongoing negotiations.
