BRUSSELS (Realist English). Former US national security advisor John Bolton criticised European leaders for what he described as inaction on the war involving Iran, warning that it could encourage President Donald Trump to scale back US support for Ukraine, according to an interview with Euronews.
Bolton said Europe’s response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East risks sending a signal that Ukraine is “not America’s war,” potentially weakening transatlantic unity as Russia’s full-scale invasion enters its third year.
Key statements
In the interview, Bolton described the Iran conflict as “Europe’s war,” arguing that European countries face a more immediate threat from a potential nuclear-armed Iran than the United States.
“Europe is just as much, if not more, at risk from nuclear attacks if Iran gets nuclear weapons,” he said, citing Iran’s missile capabilities to reach Central and Eastern Europe.
He warned that the European Union’s reluctance to take a more active role in the conflict could be interpreted in Washington as a lack of strategic commitment.
“That is an invitation to Trump to decide that Ukraine is not America’s war,” Bolton said, calling the EU’s approach a “mistake.”
Political context
Bolton’s comments come as the US-Israel military campaign involving Iran enters its fourth week, with hostilities expanding across parts of the Middle East.
European leaders have largely avoided direct military involvement, focusing instead on diplomatic efforts and crisis management, including concerns over energy security and regional escalation.
US President Trump has publicly criticised NATO allies for their limited role, describing their position as insufficient and warning of broader strategic consequences.
Broader implications
Bolton, a long-time critic of both Iran and Trump’s foreign policy decisions, suggested that the US president’s objective in the Iran conflict is regime change.
He argued that even significant damage to Iran’s nuclear programme may not produce lasting results if the current government remains in power.
“Trump will declare a victory no matter what happens,” Bolton said, adding that Iran could eventually rebuild its capabilities.
Why it matters
The remarks highlight growing concern over the interconnected nature of US foreign policy priorities. A shift in US engagement in one conflict — such as Iran — could directly affect commitments in another, particularly Ukraine.
For European governments, the risk is that perceived strategic hesitation in the Middle East could undermine US willingness to sustain long-term military and financial support for Kyiv.