Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton warned President Donald Trump against easing pressure on Iran, arguing that the U.S. should capitalize on damage inflicted on Tehran rather than allow it to gain political leverage over the Strait of Hormuz.
Bolton Warns Trump on Iran War
On Monday, in a post on X, Bolton said, "It’s a mistake to walk away from our fight in Iran."
"The has U.S. battered the Iranian military complex, it will take them years to rebuild," he added.
He continued, "We cannot reward the Iranians with the political win of hegemony over the Strait of Hormuz just because we don’t know what our goals are."
Bolton Opposes Iran Off-Ramp
In the CNN interview, Bolton criticized efforts to find an "off-ramp" from the conflict, saying the Trump administration still had not clearly defined its objective.
"I think it’s a mistake to try and walk away from this and leave Iran in a superior political position," he said.
Bolton advocated maintaining the blockade on Iran and using force, if necessary, to reopen the Gulf Arab side of the Strait of Hormuz for oil shipments.
He said U.S. military operations in March and April caused "enormous damage" to Iran’s military-industrial complex and warned that Tehran could use oil revenue to support its military and allied forces if the blockade is lifted.
Bolton also argued that the U.S. should target Iranian missile launchers rather than rely primarily on missile-defense systems to intercept incoming attacks.
It’s a mistake to walk away from our fight in Iran. The has U.S. battered the Iranian military complex, it will take them years to rebuild. We cannot reward the Iranians with the political win of hegemony over the Strait of Hormuz just because we don’t know what our goals are. pic.twitter.com/lWMxO9XnpQ
— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) August 10, 2026
Read Also: Market Strategist James Thorne Says Iran 'Isn't the Prize'—Trump's Real Contest Is With China
Iran Sets Conditions for Strait of Hormuz Reopening
On Sunday, Iran denied direct talks with the U.S. but said intermediaries were exchanging messages over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Last week, Tehran demanded lifting U.S. sanctions, ending the naval blockade, withdrawing U.S. troops, war reparations and an end to attacks on Iranian allies.
Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr said Iran would not give up "whether in war or in negotiations."
Trump said talks were taking place discreetly, while Vice President JD Vance said the conflict was not over.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiators were "very close to an agreement."
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock/ Christopher Halloran
