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Bolton Slams Hegseth’s Iran Strike Comments: Time for Adjustment

3/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

John Bolton, former U.S. national security adviser, criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for remarks on U.S. strikes against Iran, calling for an attitude adjustment.
Hegseth claimed the strikes are not aimed at regime change, despite the operation killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Bolton argued that Hegseth's statements contradict U.S. President Donald Trump's intentions, including backing the Iranian people in regime change.
Bolton has been a vocal critic since his 2019 dismissal.

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Story summary

John Bolton, former U.S. national security adviser, criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for remarks on U.S. strikes against Iran, calling for an attitude adjustment.
Hegseth claimed the strikes are not aimed at regime change, despite the operation killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Bolton argued that Hegseth's statements contradict U.S. President Donald Trump's intentions, including backing the Iranian people in regime change.
Bolton has been a vocal critic since his 2019 dismissal.