Bolton Urges Trump To Act
Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton is urging President Donald Trump to take a tougher stance on Iran, warning that the current ceasefire is giving Tehran time to recover while American families continue feeling the pain of rising energy costs.
Speaking during an interview with Bloomberg on Thursday, Bolton argued that negotiating with Iran is unlikely to produce a meaningful agreement that protects U.S. interests or brings lasting stability to the Middle East.
“I think it’s a waste of time negotiating with the Iranians,” Bolton said, adding that Tehran has historically used negotiations to buy time while rebuilding its military capabilities.
Bolton claimed the ceasefire has largely benefited Iran by allowing the regime to restart drone production and recover hidden weapons stockpiles after recent military pressure weakened key operations.
According to Bolton, one option for President Trump would be ending the ceasefire altogether and restoring maximum pressure on the Iranian regime. However, Bolton suggested the president may be carefully weighing the political and economic consequences of escalating tensions in the region.
Instead, Bolton proposed a more aggressive strategy centered around reopening the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes — even if military force becomes necessary.
The waterway remains essential to global energy markets, and ongoing instability has already fueled concerns over inflation, supply disruptions, and soaring fuel prices across the United States.
Bolton argued that reopening the strait would allow Arab Gulf nations to move oil more freely while increasing economic pressure on Tehran. He said stronger enforcement measures could force Iran’s leadership into making serious decisions about its future.
The former national security adviser has repeatedly criticized the ceasefire in recent weeks, arguing that Iran has been given an opportunity to regroup after suffering heavy setbacks.
Earlier this month, Bolton stated that the United States had not “finished the job” when it came to confronting the Iranian regime. He also previously called the ceasefire a “mistake,” warning that Tehran was using the pause to recover from sustained military and economic pressure.
Meanwhile, President Trump has continued sending mixed signals about the future of negotiations. While the administration has reportedly rejected several proposals from Tehran, the president recently said he is “in no hurry” to finalize a deal.
At the same time, Trump has warned that the “clock is ticking” for Iran, signaling that military and economic options remain on the table if talks fail.
The uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has also created growing anxiety for American consumers already struggling with high costs.
Energy analysts warn that gasoline prices could continue climbing if tensions in the Middle East worsen or if oil shipments remain disrupted. Some experts believe prices at the pump could spike even higher after the Memorial Day travel weekend if no agreement is reached.
According to recent national averages, gas prices have climbed to roughly $4.56 per gallon, marking one of the highest Memorial Day fuel averages in years. Prices are significantly higher than they were at the same time last year, putting additional pressure on retirees, working families, and small businesses already dealing with inflation.
The last major nationwide fuel spike came in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when gas prices surged past $5 per gallon in many parts of the country.
For many Americans, concerns about Iran are no longer just about foreign policy. Rising tensions overseas are increasingly being felt at home through higher energy bills, inflation, and growing uncertainty about the economy.
