In a move that could further escalate tensions in the Middle East, former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton has urged Israel to strike Iran’s nuclear program. This call to action comes amidst a backdrop of recent missile attacks by Iran and Israel’s cautious approach to retaliation.
Bolton, known for his hawkish stance on Iran, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to advocate for a preemptive strike. He asserted that “Iran having nuclear weapons directly threatens Israel’s national security as well as America’s.” He shared an article from Canada’s Global News where he stated that “I think that’s the point where Israel can have the maximum impact, precisely by going after the nuclear weapons program.” Bolton emphasized the urgency, suggesting that Israel may not have another opportunity as favorable.
Bolton’s call to action has generated considerable debate about the potential consequences of such an aggressive move. While he argues for decisive action to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, experts warn that such a military operation could have far-reaching implications.
The possibility of Israeli military action targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities has also raised concerns about global energy markets. Oil prices fell on Monday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would not target Iran’s oil or nuclear facilities. However, experts caution that any attack on Iranian facilities could significantly impact global oil prices, leading to potential disruptions in the energy market.
Bolton’s advocacy for regime change in Iran and his previous criticism of Iran’s role in attacks on Israeli civilians further underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. His latest call for action adds another layer of complexity to the already tense situation between Iran and Israel, with potential ramifications for the wider region and the global stage.