Bolton: Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs are Major Challenges for the US and Israel

John Bolton, the US National Security Advisor, and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, emphasized the need to contain the Islamic Republic of Iran regionally and to counter its missile and nuclear plans during a working meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday evening, August 19. Netanyahu described Bolton as a "keen supporter of the US-Israel alliance" and deemed his visit very important. He noted that Bolton arrived at a time when "significant decisions have been made by President Donald Trump regarding the relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem and the withdrawal from the terrible nuclear deal with Iran." Netanyahu expressed his anticipation to discuss with Bolton "how to prevent Iran from regional aggression and ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons." Bolton also acknowledged the challenges faced by Israel, the US, and the world, stating that "the foremost among them is Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile plans." David Friedman, the US ambassador to Jerusalem, and Ron Dermer, the Israeli ambassador to Washington, were also present at the meeting. According to Israeli media, Bolton is scheduled for a second working meeting with Netanyahu on Monday. His two-day visit includes discussions with several other senior Israeli security officials. The last time Bolton made an official visit to Israel was 14 years ago during the George W. Bush administration, although he has made several unofficial visits in the past 14 years. Many Israeli officials have regarded Bolton as a true friend of the country over the years and expressed deep satisfaction with his appointment as National Security Advisor in the spring of this year. In an interview aired on ABC on Sunday, Bolton identified Iran, alongside Russia, China, and North Korea, as countries attempting to influence US elections. He hinted at the upcoming midterm elections and the possibility of Iranian interference through cyber warfare, stating that Washington is working to prevent such influence but did not elaborate further. After Israel, Bolton is set to travel to Geneva for discussions with Nikolai Patrushev, the Russian National Security Advisor, indicating that the US is negotiating with Russia to end Iran's military presence in Syria. He noted that Washington and Moscow share "mutual interests" in expelling Iranian forces and their allies from Syria and Iraq, at least according to statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Bolton added that Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the JCPOA has genuinely put pressure on Iran's economy and weakened the Quds Force's ability to carry out its intentions in the region and in Yemen.