Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton said Iran recognized Trump's desperation for a deal and manipulated him, according to his statements circulated Wednesday night. Bolton claimed Tehran played Trump "like a fiddle" and therefore secured the deal it wanted. The remarks add to a growing body of right-of-center criticism of the emerging US-Iran agreement.
Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton sharply criticized President Trump's handling of the Iran nuclear talks in remarks circulated Wednesday night, accusing Tehran of outmaneuvering the administration.
"The Iranians could see it — they saw for weeks, if not months, that he was desperate for a deal. And they manipulated him," Bolton was quoted as saying. "The Iranians played Trump like a fiddle. That's why they got the deal they wanted."
Bolton, a longstanding advocate of maximum pressure on Iran who served as NSA from 2018-2019, joins a growing chorus of right-of-center Israeli and American analysts who argue the Trump administration has conceded too much too quickly. The Zioneer has previously covered multiple analysts warning that Iran is stalling for time and using talks to preserve its nuclear and regional capabilities.
The remarks add political weight to criticism of the agreement at a time when Israeli cabinet ministers reportedly sense a deal is imminent. What remains unclear is whether Bolton's assessment reflects intelligence he holds or broader political commentary, and whether his critique will influence Republican positions on Capitol Hill.
- DevelopingCommentator says Iran is 'playing' Trump, warns US is being humiliated
- DevelopingCommentator: Iran's nuclear talks a 'show' to gain time as US falls into trap
- DevelopingTrump says Iran fooled him, calls Tehran's deal confirmation 'weak and pathetic'
- DevelopingAnalysis: Iran seeks to use Trump as leverage against Netanyahu, analyst warns
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