WEB DESK: Former CIA Director John Brennan has sharply criticized President Trump’s handling of Iran policy, stating that he places more credibility in Tehran’s statements than in those of the White House.
In remarks made this week, Brennan accused the president of refusing to acknowledge reality despite what he called the repeated disclosure of facts. He suggested that Mr. Trump is attempting to distance himself from a policy failure of his own making.
“Despite the facts being repeatedly revealed, Trump is not ready to accept them and is trying to escape from the defeat he created,” Brennan said.
The former intelligence chief also pushed back on the administration’s characterization of Iran’s stance on negotiations. He argued that the president’s claim that Iran is signaling a willingness to negotiate—or seeking talks on American terms—is inaccurate.
According to Brennan, no negotiations are currently taking place between the Iranian government and the Trump administration.
“The Iranian government is not holding any talks with the Trump administration,” he said.
Brennan, who served as CIA director under President Barack Obama, has been a frequent critic of the Trump administration’s national security policies, particularly its decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and subsequent “maximum pressure” campaign. His latest comments add to a growing chorus of former officials who have questioned the administration’s strategy toward Tehran.
The White House has not issued a response to Brennan’s remarks.
