John Bolton Praises Killing of Iranian General: ‘Hope This Is the First Step to Regime Change’

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has praised the U.S. strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Bolton, who has long been a hawk on Iran, used the opportunity to once again call for regime change in the Islamic republic.

“Congratulations to all involved in eliminating Qassem Soleimani,” Bolton said.

Congratulations to all involved in eliminating Qassem Soleimani. Long in the making, this was a decisive blow against Iran's malign Quds Force activities worldwide. Hope this is the first step to regime change in Tehran.

— John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) January 3, 2020

“Long in the making, this was a decisive blow against Iran’s malign Quds Force activities worldwide. Hope this is the first step to regime change in Tehran.”

Bolton has wanted regime change in Iran for years but linking the death of Soleimani with it in this way may not have been the best decision. The Iranian government was warned of ‘harsh’ retaliation against the U.S., though what form that will take is unclear.

Bolton had serious differences with President Donald Trump on Middle East policy but since leaving the administration, he has praised the administration’s aggressive actions towards Iran. A policy of regime change in Iran would require a ground war.