Her comments come as tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated following the breakdown of diplomatic talks over the weekend. Negotiations aimed at addressing Iran’s nuclear program ended without agreement, with Vice President JD Vance returning from discussions in Pakistan without a deal.
Clinton warned that the failed talks have left the U.S. at a strategic disadvantage. “I worry that the United States is now in a very weak position vis-à-vis Iran,” she said, arguing that Washington has “lost the leverage and initiative” it once held in negotiations.
The Trump administration has responded by escalating pressure on Iran. The president recently ordered a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. U.S. Central Command has warned that unauthorized vessels entering the zone could be intercepted or seized, signaling a significant increase in military and economic pressure.
Clinton offered a mixed assessment of Trump’s approach. She said she supported a targeted strike on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this year, describing it as a limited and appropriate action. However, she criticized subsequent moves as inconsistent and lacking a clear long-term strategy.
“I supported Trump bombing the nuclear sites back in June,” she said. “I thought that was an appropriate and limited strategic objective. I opposed his incoherent attack on Iran.”
She argued that the U.S. must return to structured diplomacy led by experienced experts, particularly those with deep knowledge of nuclear policy and international negotiations.
