Former National Security Adviser John Bolton is not a fan of the new U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding. In fact, he thinks it's a textbook case of putting the cart before the horse — or in this case, putting oil prices before nuclear threats.
Speaking to India Today TV and posting on X Tuesday, Bolton called the agreement "terrible diplomacy" that tilted heavily in Iran's favor. His main gripe? The Trump administration, he says, was laser-focused on one thing: lowering the price of oil.
"It's clear that the only goal for negotiations between the U.S. and Iran was to lower the price of oil," Bolton wrote. He added that "the impact of the deal on Iran's nuclear program and its export of terror worldwide was not considered."
In the interview, Bolton said Washington made "a big mistake" by easing pressure on Iran before fully addressing its nuclear ambitions. The deal, he argued, gave Iran a chance to "pull themselves back together" after military and economic strain, while leaving key concerns unresolved.
Bolton also pointed to fears over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz as a driving force behind U.S. concessions. "The use of the Strait of Hormuz to threaten the global economy ultimately overwhelmed Trump," he said, suggesting the administration prioritized oil prices over broader geopolitical risks.
He warned the agreement could weaken U.S. credibility globally, especially in the eyes of adversaries. "I think that's how it will be read in Beijing and Moscow and Pyongyang," he said, implying that China, Russia, and North Korea would see the deal as evidence of American inconsistency.
The timing of Bolton's criticism is notable. On Monday, Iran reaffirmed that it would administer the Strait of Hormuz under international law and said the waterway would not return to its pre-war status — even as a U.S. plan allowed temporary Iranian oil exports and joint oversight arrangements under a 60-day framework with Oman.
Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed for greater military independence, saying Israel must develop its own weapons production capabilities to reduce reliance on the United States amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
And to add to the uncertainty, President Donald Trump recently threatened to take control of the Strait of Hormuz and impose measures over regional tensions. Iranian media reported a temporary protest walkout during talks, while other reports said negotiations continued.
So Bolton's message is clear: when you negotiate with Iran, make sure you're not just chasing cheaper oil. Otherwise, you might end up with a deal that solves one problem while creating several others.
