Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Bolton Warns Middle East Risks Could Threaten IMEC Corridor
The India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor is a planned network linking India, the Gulf region and Europe.
It would use ships, railways and roads to move goods and energy.
John Bolton said the project could bring important economic benefits.
However, he warned that fighting and security problems in the Middle East could put the corridor at risk.
He especially mentioned the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Bolton blamed Iran's current government for contributing to regional insecurity.
He also said President Donald Trump has not shown a clear long-term plan for dealing with Iran.
Trump supports the corridor and wants energy routes to avoid Iranian-controlled checkpoints.
The two men therefore agree that the corridor matters but differ over how the region's security problems should be handled.
Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton praised IMEC's economic potential but warned that regional security threats could endanger it.
Bolton said peace and security would remain at risk while Iran's current regime remains in power.
He identified the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab Strait as vulnerable shipping chokepoints.
Bolton criticized President Donald Trump's Iran policy as inconsistent and lacking a long-term strategy.
Trump said the US strongly supports IMEC as a way to diversify Middle Eastern energy infrastructure away from Iranian checkpoints.
- Who
- Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton and US President Donald Trump discussed the India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor and regional security.
- What
- Bolton warned that Middle East security threats could endanger IMEC, while Trump expressed strong US support for the initiative.
- When
- The comments were reported on September 24, 2026; Trump's remarks were made on Tuesday and Bolton's quoted comments were posted September 23.
- Where
- The comments were made or reported in Washington, DC, and during meetings connected to the United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- Security threats, attacks on commercial shipping and risks around Iranian checkpoints could disrupt trade and energy routes through the region.
Bolton's View
Trump Administration's View
Regional security
Bolton's View
Bolton argued that peace and security cannot be ensured while Iran's current regime remains in power and that shipping through the region remains at risk.
Trump Administration's View
Trump emphasized supporting IMEC and shifting Middle Eastern energy infrastructure away from Iranian checkpoints.
Iran strategy
Bolton's View
Bolton said Trump has no consistent long-term plan for Iran and is balancing threats and economic promises partly to appeal to US voters.
Trump Administration's View
Trump has presented pressure on Iran and support for alternative energy routes as ways to address regional security and economic concerns.
IMEC's prospects
Bolton's View
Bolton said closer economic ties among India, the Middle East and Europe make sense but could be undermined by insecurity.
Trump Administration's View
Trump described IMEC as a strongly supported initiative that could help move oil through routes that avoid Iranian checkpoints.
- Initiative
- India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
- Announcement
- IMEC was unveiled in 2023.
- Planned routes
- An Eastern Corridor would connect India to the Gulf region, while a Northern Corridor would connect the Gulf region to Europe.
- Transport network
- The corridor is planned to include railways, ship-rail transit and roads.
- Security concerns
- Bolton cited risks around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- US position
- Trump said his administration strongly supports IMEC.
- Bolton's assessment
- Bolton said Trump's approach to Iran lacks a coherent long-term strategy.