National Security Advisor John Bolton pledged that the United States is not pursuing a policy of regime change in Iran as the administration announced hard-hitting sanctions on the Islamic Republic on Monday.
“Our policy is not regime change. We want to put unprecedented pressure on the government of Iran to change its behavior. So far, they’ve shown no indication they’re prepared to do that,” Bolton pledged.
The national security advisor’s comments come just hours after the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran in order to compel the end of its malign activity in the Middle East.
“The Iranian regime has exploited the global financial system to fund its malign activities,” the White House said in a full explainer on its decision Monday, adding, “The Trump administration intends to fully enforce the sanctions reimposed against Iran, and those who fail to wind down activities with Iran risk severe consequences.”
Trump continued in a statement, “As we continue applying maximum economic pressure on the Iranian regime, I remain open to reaching a more comprehensive deal that addresses the full range of the regime’s malign activities, including its ballistic missile program and its support for terrorism. The United States welcomes the partnership of like-minded nations in these efforts.”