By Amr Gohar
Washington, D.C, Years of diplomatic efforts with Iran failed because the country’s leadership repeatedly undermined trust and continued rebuilding its military capabilities, according to retired U.S. Marine Corps General and former U.S. National Security Advisor Jim Jones.
Speaking in an interview with CBC, Jones said several U.S. administrations believed negotiations could lead Iran to limit its nuclear ambitions, but those expectations ultimately proved unrealistic.
According to the interview broadcast by CBC, Jones stated that many administrations hoped dialogue with Tehran would lead to meaningful agreements regarding its nuclear program, but he argued that Iran never demonstrated the level of trust required for such negotiations to succeed.
Jones, who previously served as Commandant of the Marine Corps, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, Commander of U.S. European Command, and National Security Advisor under President Barack Obama, said Tehran continues to rebuild its military capabilities and maintain networks of proxy organizations across the region.
He warned that Iran could eventually restore militant groups such as Hezbollah and other organizations that have historically been used to project influence and conduct operations beyond its borders.
Addressing the possibility of democratic change inside Iran, Jones said the success of such a transition would largely depend on the leadership that emerges afterward. While some opposition groups have suggested elections could be held within six months of a transition, he said international support would likely be necessary to help establish stable democratic institutions.
Jones also referred to the role of Iranian opposition movements, including the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which he said has received backing from several prominent American political figures. He noted that the organization supports a democratic framework promoted by opposition leader Maryam Rajavi, which he described as based on democratic principles similar to those found in the American political tradition.
When asked about the possibility of U.S. forces operating inside Iran following potential military operations, Jones said some form of American presence could become important during a transitional phase. He noted that such involvement could include both civilian and military personnel depending on decisions made by the U.S. administration.
Jones emphasized that the United States should learn from past conflicts, particularly Afghanistan and Iraq, where military victories were not always followed by strong long-term political rebuilding.
He pointed to the post–World War II reconstruction of Germany, Japan, and South Korea as examples of how sustained international commitment can help stabilize countries and support democratic development after conflict.
Jones concluded that any future transition in Iran would require not only political change but also a sustained international effort to build institutions capable of supporting democratic governance.