US reaffirms it does not seek regime change in Iran
(Baonghean.vn) - On August 22, US National Security Advisor John Bolton reaffirmed that the US is not seeking to change the government in Iran.
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| US National Security Advisor John Bolton. Photo: AP |
Speaking at a press conference during a visit to Jerusalem, Mr. Bolton affirmed that the re-imposition of sanctions on Tehran does not mean that the administration of US President Donald Trump is seeking to overthrow Iran's leadership.
However, the official said the US would do “many other things” to pressure Iran, beyond economic sanctions.
The adviser reaffirmed that regime change in Iran is not part of US policy, but Washington wants a major change in the Islamic Republic's "behavior".
Bolton has previously suggested that the US government should push for regime change in Iran. Last May, Bolton said this was not part of the Trump administration's policy.
On the issue of Syria, Mr. Bolton warned that the US would react “very strongly” if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons in the battle to retake Idlib province.
Idlib province is the largest area of Syria still controlled by rebels since 2015. About 60% of the province is controlled by the jihadist alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the rest by opposition groups. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad recently announced that this area will be the next priority target of government forces./.
