Bolton defends Trump pledge to destroy Iranian infrastructure: 'We have every right'

Former national security advisor John Bolton on Tuesday defended President Donald Trump's threat to target Iranian civil infrastructure if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"We absolutely have every right to go after the infrastructure in Iran, which is obviously being used by the IRGC. The words 'civilian infrastructure' are not talismanic," he posted on X. Bolton attached a video of a recent appearance on CNN in which he addressed Trump's threat to make Tuesday "power plant and bridge day" in Iran.

"The prohibition is against attacking civilian targets. But, for example, a power plant that provides energy, to a military base, to a military facility, to a military manufacturing operation, is a legitimate target," he said on CNN. "There's collateral civilian damage that's true, but it's a legitimate target."

Bolton served as national security advisor in Trump's first term until he was fired. He later became a prominent critic of the president but has generally favored the current Iran operation.

Trump himself on Tuesday issued a warning to Iran to make a deal by the evening in order to avoid what he called the destruction of a civilization.

"A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will," he posted on Truth Social. "However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?"

"We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!" he added.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.