Former US diplomat John Limbert has strongly criticized Washington’s military and hardline approach toward improving bilateral relations with Iran. In comments published on August 3, 2026, he said the United States cannot build good diplomatic relations with Tehran through attacks or assassinations.

Limbert argued that an “iron man” policy, or the use of a heavy hand, would not work in Iran’s case. He said a strategy based on bombing or killing political figures while seeking to establish positive relations with another country is bound to fail.

Citing Iran’s political realities and the historical tensions in US-Iran relations, Limbert said Washington needs to change its policy. He added that military pressure alone cannot bring Tehran into an agreement or normalize relations between the two countries.