'They smell panic': John Bolton says Iran is exploiting Trump's ceasefire decision
WASHINGTON, DC: Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton has sharply criticized the ongoing ceasefire with Iran, arguing that it disproportionately benefits Tehran at a critical stage in the conflict.
Speaking on CNN on Thursday, April 23, Bolton said the pause in hostilities has allowed Iran to recover from sustained military pressure. “The country that benefits from the ceasefire is Iran,” he said, reiterating his long-standing view that halting operations was a strategic misstep.
John Bolton warns Iran gaining breathing space
Bolton argued that weeks of reduced military action have given Iran valuable breathing space after what he described as heavy setbacks on the battlefield.
He warned that any further delay, especially if negotiations drag on, could allow Tehran to regroup and reposition itself diplomatically and militarily.
“The leverage comes because of US and Israeli military force,” he said, adding that suspending that pressure has enabled Iran to “make something out of a very bad situation.”
Trump extends ceasefire amid delayed talks
President Donald Trump earlier this week extended the ceasefire indefinitely, signaling an intention to maintain calm conditions while awaiting a potential deal with Iran.
However, negotiations have yet to materialize, with both sides locked in a tense standoff, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the ceasefire, incidents at sea have continued to escalate. Trump accused Iran of targeting vessels in recent days, while US forces reportedly seized an Iranian-flagged tanker attempting to evade a naval blockade.
In response, Iran has intensified its own actions, seizing ships it claims are linked to hostile actors. The reciprocal moves have cast doubt on the durability of the ceasefire arrangement.
Israel holds fire and regional actors regroup
While maritime tensions persist, Israel has adhered to the ceasefire terms, halting strikes on Iran and Lebanon. The pause has effectively provided breathing room not only for Tehran but also for allied groups such as Hezbollah.
Analysts say this lull could allow these actors to reassess their positions and prepare for potential future escalations.
The ceasefire has also drawn criticism within the United States. A commentary in The Wall Street Journal described Trump’s approach as conceding leverage without securing meaningful concessions in return.
The article argued that repeated announcements about reopening the Strait of Hormuz had not translated into tangible gains, with Iran continuing to hold firm on its demands.
Trump has rejected such criticism, defending his handling of the conflict and asserting that US actions have significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities.
He has framed the ceasefire as part of a broader effort to achieve stability while maintaining pressure on Tehran to negotiate.
John Bolton questions strategic intent
Bolton, however, remains unconvinced, suggesting the administration’s decisions may be driven more by domestic political considerations than long-term strategic planning.
“I think they smell panic in the White House,” he said, arguing that Iran perceives hesitation in Washington and is leveraging it to its advantage.
