John Bolton, former national security adviser, expressed concerns that President Donald Trump's management of the Iran situation could lead to a destabilized Middle East and a potential nuclear arms race. In an opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal, Bolton asserted that Trump's contradictory decisions have created a foundation for nuclear proliferation in the region. He indicated that Gulf Arab states are increasingly doubting the reliability of the U.S. as a security partner, which may compel them to consider developing their own nuclear arsenals as a countermeasure to Iran. Trump has been advocating for a negotiated resolution while resisting pressure for a swift agreement on Iran's nuclear program. He acknowledged Iran's national pride as a barrier to negotiations but maintained that they would eventually have no choice but to make concessions. The ongoing conflict has seen missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, heightening regional tensions. French President Emmanuel Macron has also called for urgent diplomacy to secure a U.S.–Iran agreement to avert further instability.