The Trump Administration in its meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi this week talked about the suspension of security assistance since early this year and the importance that they place on them renewing an effective campaign against terrorists, the White House said.&nbsp;

Qureshi met the National Security Advisor John Bolton and the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on October 2. At a White House news conference, Bolton described the meetings as productive.

When asked if they talked about suspension of aid to Pakistan and the progress made by Islamabad in the fight against terrorism, Bolton told reporters, "I discussed that with Foreign Minister Qureshi." 
"We had a very productive meeting. He had a very productive meeting," he said.

"We certainly talked about the suspension of security assistance and the importance that we placed on Pakistan renewing an effective campaign against terrorists," Bolton said.

They covered a wide range of other issues, as well, he said.

"But I think one of the things we wanted to stress, following up on Mike Pompeo's visit to Pakistan just a few weeks ago was that we hope with a new government there, that we might be able to turn a page and move forward," Bolton said.&nbsp;

These are important opening meetings, for the foreign minister in Washington he said.&nbsp;

"I think he believed they were successful, and so we're going to continue the discussion and see what conclusion we might be able to reach," Bolton said.&nbsp;

The Trump Administration in its meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi this week talked about the suspension of security assistance since early this year and the importance that they place on them renewing an effective campaign against terrorists, the White House said.

The Trump Administration in its meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi this week talked about the suspension of security assistance since early this year and the importance that they place on them renewing an effective campaign against terrorists, the White House said. Qureshi met the National Security Advisor John Bolton and the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on October 2. At a White House news conference, Bolton described the meetings as productive. When asked if they talked about suspension of aid to Pakistan and the progress made by Islamabad in the fight against terrorism, Bolton told reporters, "I discussed that with Foreign Minister Qureshi." "We had a very productive meeting. He had a very productive meeting," he said. "We certainly talked about the suspension of security assistance and the importance that we placed on Pakistan renewing an effective campaign against terrorists," Bolton said. They covered a wide range of other issues, as well, he said. "But I think one of the things we wanted to stress, following up on Mike Pompeo's visit to Pakistan just a few weeks ago was that we hope with a new government there, that we might be able to turn a page and move forward," Bolton said. These are important opening meetings, for the foreign minister in Washington he said. "I think he believed they were successful, and so we're going to continue the discussion and see what conclusion we might be able to reach," Bolton said.

US pushes Pakistan for an effective campaign against terrorists

There is unlikely to be any changes in America's policy on suspension of aid to Pakistan until it makes substantial progress against terrorists and their safe havens, the Trump administration has told Islamabad as the two countries try to reset their strained ties.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton, during their meetings with Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here, are understood to have told the Pakistani leadership that in its assessment the US does not see any changes on the ground when it comes to taking actions against terrorists operating from its soil.

Given Pakistan's influence over the Taliban, the Trump administration also wants Islamabad to bring them to the peace table.

Notably, the State Department till late in the night had refrained from issuing any readout of the meeting between Qureshi and Pompeo, which is understood to have lasted for 20 minutes at their Foggy Bottom headquarters.

The White House normally does not issue a readout of the meeting that its National Security Advisor has with foreign leaders. Qureshi and Pompeo did appear for a handshake photo op before the meeting, during which they did not issue opening remarks.

According to informed sources familiar with the development, the US side is upset because of Qureshi's faux pas about handshake he had with President Donald Trump during a luncheon in New York, which he described to the media as a meeting.

Meanwhile, in a readout of the meetings, the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington said that Qureshi had a wide range of discussions with both Pompeo and Bolton which included among others bilateral and regional issues.

Qureshi said that close engagement between Pakistan and the US had always been mutually beneficial and a factor for stability in South Asia. He stressed that, going forward, a broad-based and structured framework for dialogue would best serve the two countries' shared interests, the statement said.

Noting that Pakistan and the US share a common desire for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region at large, Qureshi reiterated Pakistan's support for a political settlement in Afghanistan, saying the use of force had failed to deliver results.

Qureshi told Pompeo that "peace in South Asia, which was a common goal for both the US and Pakistan, would remain elusive until all disputes, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, are resolved".

Pompeo, according to the embassy statement, said the US looked forward to working with the new government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan in implementing its reform agenda.

"In the context of achieving stability in South Asia, Qureshi briefed his US interlocutor about India's aggressive posturing in the region.

"Qureshi underscored that, on its part, Pakistan remained committed to engaging India in a comprehensive peace dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," the statement added.

The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

Last month, the Trump administration cancelled $ 300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups active on its soil.&nbsp;

There is unlikely to be any changes in America's policy on suspension of aid to Pakistan until it makes substantial progress against terrorists and their safe havens, the Trump administration has told Islamabad as the two countries try to reset their strained ties.

There is unlikely to be any changes in America's policy on suspension of aid to Pakistan until it makes substantial progress against terrorists and their safe havens, the Trump administration has told Islamabad as the two countries try to reset their strained ties. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton, during their meetings with Pakistan's new Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi here, are understood to have told the Pakistani leadership that in its assessment the US does not see any changes on the ground when it comes to taking actions against terrorists operating from its soil. Given Pakistan's influence over the Taliban, the Trump administration also wants Islamabad to bring them to the peace table. Notably, the State Department till late in the night had refrained from issuing any readout of the meeting between Qureshi and Pompeo, which is understood to have lasted for 20 minutes at their Foggy Bottom headquarters. The White House normally does not issue a readout of the meeting that its National Security Advisor has with foreign leaders. Qureshi and Pompeo did appear for a handshake photo op before the meeting, during which they did not issue opening remarks. According to informed sources familiar with the development, the US side is upset because of Qureshi's faux pas about handshake he had with President Donald Trump during a luncheon in New York, which he described to the media as a meeting. Meanwhile, in a readout of the meetings, the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington said that Qureshi had a wide range of discussions with both Pompeo and Bolton which included among others bilateral and regional issues. Qureshi said that close engagement between Pakistan and the US had always been mutually beneficial and a factor for stability in South Asia. He stressed that, going forward, a broad-based and structured framework for dialogue would best serve the two countries' shared interests, the statement said. Noting that Pakistan and the US share a common desire for peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region at large, Qureshi reiterated Pakistan's support for a political settlement in Afghanistan, saying the use of force had failed to deliver results. Qureshi told Pompeo that "peace in South Asia, which was a common goal for both the US and Pakistan, would remain elusive until all disputes, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, are resolved". Pompeo, according to the embassy statement, said the US looked forward to working with the new government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan in implementing its reform agenda. "In the context of achieving stability in South Asia, Qureshi briefed his US interlocutor about India's aggressive posturing in the region. "Qureshi underscored that, on its part, Pakistan remained committed to engaging India in a comprehensive peace dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," the statement added. The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists. Last month, the Trump administration cancelled $ 300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups active on its soil.

Trump admin unlikely to change policy on suspension of aid to Pakistan

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his US counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday in Washington.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and the regional situation.

The meeting followed Pompeo visit to Pakistan last month when he invited Qureshi to Washington.

Qureshi arrived in the US on Sunday for bilateral talks with the officials after his trip to New York for the United Nation's General Assembly session.

Before meeting Pompeo, Qureshi&nbsp;also held talks with&nbsp;National Security Advisor John Bolton at the White House and other senators.

During the meeting with NSA Bolton, Qureshi discussed Pakistan-US bilateral relations and regional situation in South Asia; Pakistan embassy in DC said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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During the meeting, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and US National Security Adviser Mr. John Bolton discussed Pakistan-US bilateral relations and regional situation in South Asia.
— Pakistan Embassy, DC (@PakEmbassyDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakEmbassyDC/status/1047150518592839682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Qureshi also met Senator Lindsey Graham and discussed bilateral relations and Afghanistan.

The Senator said he had personally seen the progress Pakistan had made in the erstwhile tribal areas during his last visit to the region &amp; looked forward to leading a delegation to Pakistan soon.

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FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Sen.Lindsey Graham(R-SC).Discussed bilateral relations &amp; Afghanistan.The Senator said he had personally seen the progress Pak had made in the erstwhile tribal areas during his last visit to the region &amp; looked forward to leading a delegation 2 Pak soon <a href="https://t.co/JhTmYFWlhf">pic.twitter.com/JhTmYFWlhf</a>
— Pakistan Embassy, DC (@PakEmbassyDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakEmbassyDC/status/1047162304406740995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pompeo and Qureshi first met in Islamabad in September when the US approached the new Pakistani government to discuss key issues that have strained decades-old ties between the two countries.

&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his US counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday in Washington. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and the regional situation.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his US counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday in Washington. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and the regional situation. The meeting followed Pompeo visit to Pakistan last month when he invited Qureshi to Washington. Qureshi arrived in the US on Sunday for bilateral talks with the officials after his trip to New York for the United Nation's General Assembly session. Before meeting Pompeo, Qureshi also held talks with National Security Advisor John Bolton at the White House and other senators. During the meeting with NSA Bolton, Qureshi discussed Pakistan-US bilateral relations and regional situation in South Asia; Pakistan embassy in DC said on Twitter. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and US National Security Adviser Mr. John Bolton discussed Pakistan-US bilateral relations and regional situation in South Asia. — Pakistan Embassy, DC (@PakEmbassyDC) October 2, 2018 × Qureshi also met Senator Lindsey Graham and discussed bilateral relations and Afghanistan. The Senator said he had personally seen the progress Pakistan had made in the erstwhile tribal areas during his last visit to the region & looked forward to leading a delegation to Pakistan soon. FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Sen.Lindsey Graham(R-SC).Discussed bilateral relations & Afghanistan.The Senator said he had personally seen the progress Pak had made in the erstwhile tribal areas during his last visit to the region & looked forward to leading a delegation 2 Pak soon pic.twitter.com/JhTmYFWlhf — Pakistan Embassy, DC (@PakEmbassyDC) October 2, 2018 × Pompeo and Qureshi first met in Islamabad in September when the US approached the new Pakistani government to discuss key issues that have strained decades-old ties between the two countries.

Pak Foreign Minister meets US's Pompeo, discusses regional situation

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is expected to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US National Security Advisor John Bolton at the White House on Tuesday, reports said.

Qureshi arrived in the US on Sunday for bilateral talks with the officials after his trip to New York for the United Nation's General Assembly session. &nbsp;

His first stop is expected to be the White House where he will meet Bolton for talks on untangling Pakistan's ruffled relations with the US.&nbsp;

He will then proceed to the US State Department for his second meeting with the Secretary of State.

On Monday, Qureshi will meet Pakistani diplomats and experts to prepare for the crucial talks that are to be held on Tuesday.

Pompeo and Qureshi first met in Islamabad in September when the US approached the new Pakistani government to discuss key issues that have strained decades-old ties between the two countries.

It was during his Islamabad visit that Pompeo invited the Pakistani foreign minister to visit Washington for further talks.

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is expected to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US National Security Advisor John Bolton at the White House on Tuesday, reports said.

Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is expected to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US National Security Advisor John Bolton at the White House on Tuesday, reports said. Qureshi arrived in the US on Sunday for bilateral talks with the officials after his trip to New York for the United Nation's General Assembly session. His first stop is expected to be the White House where he will meet Bolton for talks on untangling Pakistan's ruffled relations with the US. He will then proceed to the US State Department for his second meeting with the Secretary of State. On Monday, Qureshi will meet Pakistani diplomats and experts to prepare for the crucial talks that are to be held on Tuesday. Pompeo and Qureshi first met in Islamabad in September when the US approached the new Pakistani government to discuss key issues that have strained decades-old ties between the two countries. It was during his Islamabad visit that Pompeo invited the Pakistani foreign minister to visit Washington for further talks.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi expected to meet Pompeo, NSA over US-Pak relations 

US National Security Advisor has warned Iran's clerics that the country may have to "hell to pay" if they harm US citizens.

While addressing an anti-Iran conference in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Bolton said, " The murderous regime and its supporters will face significant consequences if they do not change their behavior. Let my message today be clear: We are watching, and we will come after you".

He also said that the US would be aggressive in enforcing economic sanctions on Iran.

Bolton's comments came hours after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-corrupt-dictatorship-plundering-its-people-pay-aggression-abroad-donald-trump-un-167667">Trump accused Iran of sowing "chaos, death and destruction"</a> across the Middle East.

Trump criticised Iran on Tuesday as a "corrupt dictatorship" that is plundering the Iranian people to pay for aggression abroad, using his speech to the United Nations General Assembly to lay down a tough message for Tehran.

"Iran's leaders sow chaos, death and destruction," Trump told the annual gathering. "They do not respect their neighbours or borders or the sovereign rights of nations."

Iran President Hassan Rouhani responded to Bolton by criticising Trump administration for hostility.

(With inputs from agencies)

US National Security Advisor has warned Iran's clerics that the country may have to "hell to pay" if they harm US citizens. While addressing an anti-Iran conference in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Bolton said, " The murderous regime and its supporters will face significant consequences if they do not change their behavior.

US National Security Advisor has warned Iran's clerics that the country may have to "hell to pay" if they harm US citizens. While addressing an anti-Iran conference in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Bolton said, " The murderous regime and its supporters will face significant consequences if they do not change their behavior. Let my message today be clear: We are watching, and we will come after you". He also said that the US would be aggressive in enforcing economic sanctions on Iran. Bolton's comments came hours after Trump accused Iran of sowing "chaos, death and destruction" across the Middle East. Trump criticised Iran on Tuesday as a "corrupt dictatorship" that is plundering the Iranian people to pay for aggression abroad, using his speech to the United Nations General Assembly to lay down a tough message for Tehran. "Iran's leaders sow chaos, death and destruction," Trump told the annual gathering. "They do not respect their neighbours or borders or the sovereign rights of nations." Iran President Hassan Rouhani responded to Bolton by criticising Trump administration for hostility. (With inputs from agencies)

There will be hell to pay: Trump's security advisor warns Iran's clerics

The White House promised Monday to keep exerting "maximum pressure" on Iran and said new sanctions were in the pipeline while insisting that the US was not seeking the overthrow of Tehran's clerical regime.

"As I have said repeatedly, regime change in Iran is not the administration's policy," national security advisor John Bolton told reporters as he previewed President Donald Trump's week at the United Nations General Assembly.

"We've imposed very stringent sanctions on Iran, more are coming, and what we expect from Iran is massive changes in their behaviour."

"And until that happens we will continue to exert what the president has called maximum pressure," he said.

As a private citizen, Bolton had advocated supporting Iran's armed opposition, a position reiterated recently by former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who serves as Trump's personal lawyer.

Trump, who has warm relations with Iranian rivals Saudi Arabia and Israel, has pulled the United States out of an international agreement to constrict Iran's nuclear program and instead has restored sanctions.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused US allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of supporting Arab separatists who killed 24 people at a military parade last week in southwestern Iran.

The White House promised Monday to keep exerting "maximum pressure" on Iran and said new sanctions were in the pipeline while insisting that the US was not seeking the overthrow of Tehran's clerical regime.

The White House promised Monday to keep exerting "maximum pressure" on Iran and said new sanctions were in the pipeline while insisting that the US was not seeking the overthrow of Tehran's clerical regime. "As I have said repeatedly, regime change in Iran is not the administration's policy," national security advisor John Bolton told reporters as he previewed President Donald Trump's week at the United Nations General Assembly. "We've imposed very stringent sanctions on Iran, more are coming, and what we expect from Iran is massive changes in their behaviour." "And until that happens we will continue to exert what the president has called maximum pressure," he said. As a private citizen, Bolton had advocated supporting Iran's armed opposition, a position reiterated recently by former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who serves as Trump's personal lawyer. Trump, who has warm relations with Iranian rivals Saudi Arabia and Israel, has pulled the United States out of an international agreement to constrict Iran's nuclear program and instead has restored sanctions. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused US allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of supporting Arab separatists who killed 24 people at a military parade last week in southwestern Iran.

US vows to up Iran pressure but says not after regime change

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged China to maintain tight control of its border with North Korea until he signs a denuclearization deal with Kim Jong UN.

Trump is scheduled to hold a landmark summit with the North Korean leader June 12 in Singapore, but Pyongyang recently has threatened to pull out over US demands for "unilateral nuclear abandonment."&nbsp

"China must continue to be strong & tight on the Border of North Korea until a deal is made," Trump tweeted, suggesting China may have eased up on enforcing economic sanctions against Pyongyang.

"The word is that recently the Border has become much more porous and more has been filtering in.", he wrote, adding he wants North Korea to be 'VERY successful,' but only once a deal has been reached on denuclearization," he said.&nbsp

China is North Korea's biggest trade partner, and Trump has called on it repeatedly to press Pyongyang to rein in its nuclear and missile programs.

Besides protesting US disarmament demands, North Korea also angrily condemned joint US-South Korean military exercises, and last week pulled out of planned inter-Korean talks.

Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton also has drawn Pyongyang's ire by referring to Libya as a denuclearization model. After giving up Libya's nuclear program in 2003, leader Moamer Kadhafi was killed in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.

North Korea's sudden shift in attitude followed a weeks-long charm offensive that saw Kim Jong Un hold a historic summit in the Demilitarized Zone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and meet twice with China's President Xi Jinping.

As prospects for the Singapore summit dimmed, Trump offered assurances that if the summit is successful, Kim "will get protections that will be very strong."

"He'd be in his country and running his country. His country would be very rich," he told reporters last week.

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged China to maintain tight control of its border with North Korea until he signs a denuclearization deal with Kim Jong UN

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged China to maintain tight control of its border with North Korea until he signs a denuclearization deal with Kim Jong UN. Trump is scheduled to hold a landmark summit with the North Korean leader June 12 in Singapore, but Pyongyang recently has threatened to pull out over US demands for "unilateral nuclear abandonment." "China must continue to be strong & tight on the Border of North Korea until a deal is made," Trump tweeted, suggesting China may have eased up on enforcing economic sanctions against Pyongyang. "The word is that recently the Border has become much more porous and more has been filtering in.", he wrote, adding he wants North Korea to be 'VERY successful,' but only once a deal has been reached on denuclearization," he said. China is North Korea's biggest trade partner, and Trump has called on it repeatedly to press Pyongyang to rein in its nuclear and missile programs. Besides protesting US disarmament demands, North Korea also angrily condemned joint US-South Korean military exercises, and last week pulled out of planned inter-Korean talks. Trump's National Security Advisor John Bolton also has drawn Pyongyang's ire by referring to Libya as a denuclearization model. After giving up Libya's nuclear program in 2003, leader Moamer Kadhafi was killed in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. North Korea's sudden shift in attitude followed a weeks-long charm offensive that saw Kim Jong Un hold a historic summit in the Demilitarized Zone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and meet twice with China's President Xi Jinping. As prospects for the Singapore summit dimmed, Trump offered assurances that if the summit is successful, Kim "will get protections that will be very strong." "He'd be in his country and running his country. His country would be very rich," he told reporters last week.

Trump urges China to clamp down on North Korea border

The United States on Sunday threatened to impose sanctions on European companies that do business with Iran, as the remaining participants in the Iran nuclear accord stiffened their resolve to keep that agreement operational.

White House National Security adviser John Bolton said US&nbspsanctions on European companies that maintain business dealings with Iran were "possible," but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he remained hopeful Washington and its allies could strike a new nuclear deal with Tehran.

Bolton struck a more hawkish tone with his comments in an interview with CNN's "State of the Union" program than Pompeo did when he was interviewed on "Fox News Sunday."

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-withdrawal-from-iran-deal-wasnt-aimed-at-the-europeans-136612">Withdrawal from Iran deal 'wasn't aimed at the Europeans'</a>

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump on May 8 announced that the United States was withdrawing from a 2015 deal negotiated by the Obama administration.

So far, China, France, Russia, Britain, the European Union and Iran remain in the accord, which placed controls on Iran's nuclear program and led to a relaxation of U.S. economic sanctions against Iran and companies doing business there.

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-lift-sanctions-on-north-korea-if-it-meets-demands-says-pompeo-136599">US to lift sanctions on North Korea if it meets demands, says Pompeo</a>

Despite the US&nbspexit, Britain and Iran on Sunday expressed their commitment to ensuring that the accord is upheld, according to a statement released by British Prime Minister Theresa May's office.

And Germany said it will spend the next few months trying to persuade Washington to change its mind.

When asked whether the United States might impose sanctions on European companies that continue to do business with Iran, Bolton told CNN: "It's possible. It depends on the conduct of other governments."

Pompeo said he was "hopeful in the days and weeks ahead we can come up with a deal that really works, that really protects the world from Iranian bad behaviour, not just their nuclear program, but their missiles and their malign behavior as well."

'REGIME CHANGE'

The US&nbspwithdrawal from the Iran deal has upset Washington's European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East.

Germany's minister for economic affairs, Peter Altmaier, said on Sunday that Berlin will try to "persuade the US&nbspgovernment to change its behaviour."

In an interview with ZDF public television, Altmaier noted the United States has set a 90-day deadline for foreign firms to comply with the return of sanctions and that this period can be used to convince Washington to change course.

Israel and Iran engaged in an extensive military exchange on the heels of Trump's decision to leave the deal. On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron told Trump in a telephone call that he was worried about stability in the Middle East, according to Macron's office.

As a private citizen, Bolton in the past has suggested that the United States push for a change in Iran's government. But in an interview aired on the ABC's "This Week" program, Bolton said, "That's not the policy of the administration. The policy of the administration is to make sure that Iran never gets close to deliverable nuclear weapons."

In the CNN interview, Bolton did not respond directly when asked whether Trump might seek "regime change" in Iran, or whether the U.S. military would be ordered to make a preemptive strike against any Iranian nuclear facility.

"I'm not the national security decision-maker," Bolton said, adding that Trump "makes the decision and the advice that I give him is between us."

When pressed by CNN on whether the Trump administration would sanction European firms that continue to do business with Iran, Bolton said, "I think the Europeans will see that it's in their interest ultimately to come along with us."

Bolton said Europe was still digesting Trump's May 8 move.

"I think at the moment there's some feeling in Europe - they're really surprised we got out of it, really surprised at the reimposition of strict sanctions. I think that will sink in we'll see what happens then," Bolton said.

The US threatened to impose sanctions on European companies that do business with Iran even as the remaining participants in the Iran nuclear accord stiffened their resolve to keep the agreement operational

The United States on Sunday threatened to impose sanctions on European companies that do business with Iran, as the remaining participants in the Iran nuclear accord stiffened their resolve to keep that agreement operational. White House National Security adviser John Bolton said US&nbspsanctions on European companies that maintain business dealings with Iran were "possible," but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he remained hopeful Washington and its allies could strike a new nuclear deal with Tehran. Bolton struck a more hawkish tone with his comments in an interview with CNN's "State of the Union" program than Pompeo did when he was interviewed on "Fox News Sunday." Also read: Withdrawal from Iran deal 'wasn't aimed at the Europeans' US&nbspPresident Donald Trump on May 8 announced that the United States was withdrawing from a 2015 deal negotiated by the Obama administration. So far, China, France, Russia, Britain, the European Union and Iran remain in the accord, which placed controls on Iran's nuclear program and led to a relaxation of U.S. economic sanctions against Iran and companies doing business there. Also read: US to lift sanctions on North Korea if it meets demands, says Pompeo Despite the US&nbspexit, Britain and Iran on Sunday expressed their commitment to ensuring that the accord is upheld, according to a statement released by British Prime Minister Theresa May's office. And Germany said it will spend the next few months trying to persuade Washington to change its mind. When asked whether the United States might impose sanctions on European companies that continue to do business with Iran, Bolton told CNN: "It's possible. It depends on the conduct of other governments." Pompeo said he was "hopeful in the days and weeks ahead we can come up with a deal that really works, that really protects the world from Iranian bad behaviour, not just their nuclear program, but their missiles and their malign behavior as well." 'REGIME CHANGE' The US&nbspwithdrawal from the Iran deal has upset Washington's European allies, cast uncertainty over global oil supplies and raised the risk of conflict in the Middle East. Germany's minister for economic affairs, Peter Altmaier, said on Sunday that Berlin will try to "persuade the US&nbspgovernment to change its behaviour." In an interview with ZDF public television, Altmaier noted the United States has set a 90-day deadline for foreign firms to comply with the return of sanctions and that this period can be used to convince Washington to change course. Israel and Iran engaged in an extensive military exchange on the heels of Trump's decision to leave the deal. On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron told Trump in a telephone call that he was worried about stability in the Middle East, according to Macron's office. As a private citizen, Bolton in the past has suggested that the United States push for a change in Iran's government. But in an interview aired on the ABC's "This Week" program, Bolton said, "That's not the policy of the administration. The policy of the administration is to make sure that Iran never gets close to deliverable nuclear weapons." In the CNN interview, Bolton did not respond directly when asked whether Trump might seek "regime change" in Iran, or whether the U.S. military would be ordered to make a preemptive strike against any Iranian nuclear facility. "I'm not the national security decision-maker," Bolton said, adding that Trump "makes the decision and the advice that I give him is between us." When pressed by CNN on whether the Trump administration would sanction European firms that continue to do business with Iran, Bolton said, "I think the Europeans will see that it's in their interest ultimately to come along with us." Bolton said Europe was still digesting Trump's May 8 move. "I think at the moment there's some feeling in Europe - they're really surprised we got out of it, really surprised at the reimposition of strict sanctions. I think that will sink in we'll see what happens then," Bolton said.

US threatens sanctions on European companies doing business with Iran

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has not asked the Pentagon for options to reduce US&nbspforces based in South Korea, US&nbspNational Security Adviser John Bolton said in a statement on Friday.

His comment comes after the New York Times, citing several people briefed on the deliberations, reported on Thursday that the president was seeking options to curb the number of American troops stationed in South Korea.

His comment comes after the New York Times, citing several people briefed on the deliberations, reported that the president was seeking options to curb the number of American troops stationed in South Korea

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has not asked the Pentagon for options to reduce US&nbspforces based in South Korea, US&nbspNational Security Adviser John Bolton said in a statement on Friday. His comment comes after the New York Times, citing several people briefed on the deliberations, reported on Thursday that the president was seeking options to curb the number of American troops stationed in South Korea.

Trump not seeking to curb US forces in South Korea: US national security adviser

Newly-appointed national security<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-willing-to-talk-to-japan-at-any-time-133582"> adviser(NSA) John Bolton</a> told a US television programme that the Trump administration is not &nbsp"starry-eyed" on North Korea's commitment to give up nuclear weapons.

After the high-profile meeting between Kim Jong Un and South Korea's President &nbspMoon Jae-in, North Korea had announced that it will close its nuclear facilities in May.

"We'll want to test North Korea in this first meeting for evidence that they have made that strategic decision, " US NSA Bolton said.

NSA John Bolton told the US media channel that North Korea's announcement does not mean it could happen quickly, saying "demonstrating they've made a strategic decision to give up nuclear weapons, it would be possible to move quickly."

North Korean leader Kim had said he is willing to invite US and South Korean journalists and experts in May when the country begins to shut down its nuclear weapon sites.

"There's nobody in the Trump administration starry-eyed about what may happen here but by demonstrating they've made a strategic decision to give up nuclear weapons, It would be possible to move quickly as again the Libya case demonstrates," he said.

During the meeting with President Moon Jae-in, North Korea had said it will work for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula by suspending nuclear and missile tests immediately.

Bolton, however, remained sceptical adding that the US would continue to keep ships and planes along the Korean peninsula despite Kim's assurances, Bolton said, "we certainly haven't made that commitment," when asked about US initiative to pull its forces from the area.

In another move aimed at pursuing peace in the region, Kim on Sunday told the South Korean presidential office that he is ready to hold bilateral talks with Japanese President Shinzo Abe.&nbsp

In a separate teleconference late on Saturday, Abe and President Donald Trump agreed that North Korea needs to take "concrete action" toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp 
&nbsp

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vgy31V9nCK8" width="560"></iframe>

North Korea had announced that it will close its nuclear facilities in May

Newly-appointed national security adviser(NSA) John Bolton told a US television programme that the Trump administration is not "starry-eyed" on North Korea's commitment to give up nuclear weapons. After the high-profile meeting between Kim Jong Un and South Korea's President &nbspMoon Jae-in, North Korea had announced that it will close its nuclear facilities in May. "We'll want to test North Korea in this first meeting for evidence that they have made that strategic decision, " US NSA Bolton said. NSA John Bolton told the US media channel that North Korea's announcement does not mean it could happen quickly, saying "demonstrating they've made a strategic decision to give up nuclear weapons, it would be possible to move quickly." North Korean leader Kim had said he is willing to invite US and South Korean journalists and experts in May when the country begins to shut down its nuclear weapon sites. "There's nobody in the Trump administration starry-eyed about what may happen here but by demonstrating they've made a strategic decision to give up nuclear weapons, It would be possible to move quickly as again the Libya case demonstrates," he said. During the meeting with President Moon Jae-in, North Korea had said it will work for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula by suspending nuclear and missile tests immediately. Bolton, however, remained sceptical adding that the US would continue to keep ships and planes along the Korean peninsula despite Kim's assurances, Bolton said, "we certainly haven't made that commitment," when asked about US initiative to pull its forces from the area. In another move aimed at pursuing peace in the region, Kim on Sunday told the South Korean presidential office that he is ready to hold bilateral talks with Japanese President Shinzo Abe. In a separate teleconference late on Saturday, Abe and President Donald Trump agreed that North Korea needs to take "concrete action" toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

US not starry-eyed on North Korea giving up nuclear weapons, says NSA John Bolton

A US&nbsp;Senate committee approved the nomination of President Donald Trump's choice for secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, on Monday after a Republican senator who had been opposed threw his support behind the CIA director in the face of party pressure.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the nomination on a party-line vote, with all 11 Republicans backing him, nine Democrats opposed and one Democrat, Chris Coons, voting "present" because one Republican was at a funeral out of town.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said there were enough votes in the full Senate to confirm Pompeo this week. That would allow Pompeo to attend a NATO summit on Friday.

Pompeo became one of Trump's closest advisers during his 15 months as CIA director. He most recently has been deeply involved in preparations for Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, including meeting with him three weeks ago.

While many Democrats consider Pompeo too hawkish and worry about past harsh statements on homosexuality and Islam, he has the support of at least three Democratic senators not on the committee who is running for re-election in states Trump won easily in 2016. That all but assures Pompeo will be confirmed.

"I do not believe Director Pompeo is someone who will always prioritize diplomacy over conflict, particularly in the context of the aggressive foreign policy voices growing around him," said Senator Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, citing Pompeo's past openness to regime change in North Korea and Iran.

No Republican besides Senator Rand Paul, who changed his vote on Monday, had announced opposition.

Paul's late switch meant Pompeo avoided the embarrassment of being the first nominee for secretary of state to fail to secure the committee's endorsement since it began considering them in the late 19th century.

That would have weakened Pompeo's reputation internationally and cast a cloud over Trump's push to overhaul his national security team after firing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and replacing his national security adviser, HR&nbsp;McMaster, with John Bolton, also known as a hawk.

The White House and Republican Party had thrown their weight behind the nomination, with unceasing attacks on Democrats for opposing Trump's pick.

Paul had opposed Pompeo for weeks, holding a news conference to announce his opposition to him, as well as Trump's pick to replace him at the CIA, Deputy CIA Director Gina Haspel.

Haspel, whose Senate confirmation hearing is next month, also faces a tough confirmation fight. Democrats and some Republicans are concerned about her links to the CIA's past use of "harsh interrogation techniques," widely seen as torture.

Paul has repeatedly threatened opposition to policy positions staked out by Trump, before changing his mind at the last minute. Trump recently predicted he would come around again on Pompeo, calling Paul "a good man" who has "never let us down."

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the nomination on a party-line vote, with all 11 Republicans backing him, nine Democrats opposed and one Democrat, Chris Coons, voting 'present' because one Republican was at a funeral out of town.

A US Senate committee approved the nomination of President Donald Trump's choice for secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, on Monday after a Republican senator who had been opposed threw his support behind the CIA director in the face of party pressure. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the nomination on a party-line vote, with all 11 Republicans backing him, nine Democrats opposed and one Democrat, Chris Coons, voting "present" because one Republican was at a funeral out of town. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said there were enough votes in the full Senate to confirm Pompeo this week. That would allow Pompeo to attend a NATO summit on Friday. Pompeo became one of Trump's closest advisers during his 15 months as CIA director. He most recently has been deeply involved in preparations for Trump's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, including meeting with him three weeks ago. While many Democrats consider Pompeo too hawkish and worry about past harsh statements on homosexuality and Islam, he has the support of at least three Democratic senators not on the committee who is running for re-election in states Trump won easily in 2016. That all but assures Pompeo will be confirmed. "I do not believe Director Pompeo is someone who will always prioritize diplomacy over conflict, particularly in the context of the aggressive foreign policy voices growing around him," said Senator Robert Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, citing Pompeo's past openness to regime change in North Korea and Iran. No Republican besides Senator Rand Paul, who changed his vote on Monday, had announced opposition. Paul's late switch meant Pompeo avoided the embarrassment of being the first nominee for secretary of state to fail to secure the committee's endorsement since it began considering them in the late 19th century. That would have weakened Pompeo's reputation internationally and cast a cloud over Trump's push to overhaul his national security team after firing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and replacing his national security adviser, HR McMaster, with John Bolton, also known as a hawk. The White House and Republican Party had thrown their weight behind the nomination, with unceasing attacks on Democrats for opposing Trump's pick. Paul had opposed Pompeo for weeks, holding a news conference to announce his opposition to him, as well as Trump's pick to replace him at the CIA, Deputy CIA Director Gina Haspel. Haspel, whose Senate confirmation hearing is next month, also faces a tough confirmation fight. Democrats and some Republicans are concerned about her links to the CIA's past use of "harsh interrogation techniques," widely seen as torture. Paul has repeatedly threatened opposition to policy positions staked out by Trump, before changing his mind at the last minute. Trump recently predicted he would come around again on Pompeo, calling Paul "a good man" who has "never let us down."

Senate committee paves way for Pompeo to become top US diplomat

South Korea's national security adviser has flown to Washington to meet his newly appointed US counterpart John Bolton, an official said Thursday in Seoul, where concerns are growing over the American's hardline stance on the nuclear-armed North.

Chung Eui-yong, who personally delivered Kim's summit offer to Trump last month, returned to the US capital unannounced Wednesday as the two allies plan their upcoming summits with North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

Chung is due to meet Bolton on Thursday, the official at the South's presidential Blue House told reporters.&nbspHe added the meeting was a courtesy call aimed at "coordinating opinions ahead of the inter-Korean and US-North Korea summits".

The rare inter-Korean summit is scheduled to take place in just over two weeks, while the second meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim is expected as early as May.

The appointment this week of Bolton - a mustachioed former UN ambassador and strong defender of a US first strike option against North Korea -- has raised concerns in Seoul over the prospects of the diplomatic thaw on the Korean peninsula.

Bolton's stance on Pyongyang diverges sharply from the more dovish South Korean government, which had pushed hard for an early meeting with him, the South's Yonhap agency reported.&nbsp"Bolton does not even mention the possibility of a peace treaty with Pyongyang" which is sought by the South, said Koo Kab-woo, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.

"If Bolton intervenes in the current diplomatic process (with North Korea), the need for coordination becomes much bigger," Koo added.&nbspIn a growing rapprochement on the Korean peninsula kick-started by the South's Winter Olympics, Kim is set to meet the South's Moon Jae-in on April 27.

Trump has agreed to meet Kim to discuss denuclearisation as soon as next month, though no venue or specific date is agreed.&nbspThe South Korean embassy in Washington and the US State Department have agreed to set up a hotline in the build-up to the summits, Yonhap reported.

The South's presidential office is also set to launch a new situation room to monitor the preparations for its upcoming summit on a daily basis, it said Thursday.

The rare inter-Korean summit is scheduled to take place in just over two weeks, while the second meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim is expected as early as May.

South Korea's national security adviser has flown to Washington to meet his newly appointed US counterpart John Bolton, an official said Thursday in Seoul, where concerns are growing over the American's hardline stance on the nuclear-armed North. Chung Eui-yong, who personally delivered Kim's summit offer to Trump last month, returned to the US capital unannounced Wednesday as the two allies plan their upcoming summits with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Chung is due to meet Bolton on Thursday, the official at the South's presidential Blue House told reporters.&nbspHe added the meeting was a courtesy call aimed at "coordinating opinions ahead of the inter-Korean and US-North Korea summits". The rare inter-Korean summit is scheduled to take place in just over two weeks, while the second meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim is expected as early as May. The appointment this week of Bolton - a mustachioed former UN ambassador and strong defender of a US first strike option against North Korea -- has raised concerns in Seoul over the prospects of the diplomatic thaw on the Korean peninsula. Bolton's stance on Pyongyang diverges sharply from the more dovish South Korean government, which had pushed hard for an early meeting with him, the South's Yonhap agency reported. "Bolton does not even mention the possibility of a peace treaty with Pyongyang" which is sought by the South, said Koo Kab-woo, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. "If Bolton intervenes in the current diplomatic process (with North Korea), the need for coordination becomes much bigger," Koo added.&nbspIn a growing rapprochement on the Korean peninsula kick-started by the South's Winter Olympics, Kim is set to meet the South's Moon Jae-in on April 27. Trump has agreed to meet Kim to discuss denuclearisation as soon as next month, though no venue or specific date is agreed.&nbspThe South Korean embassy in Washington and the US State Department have agreed to set up a hotline in the build-up to the summits, Yonhap reported. The South's presidential office is also set to launch a new situation room to monitor the preparations for its upcoming summit on a daily basis, it said Thursday.

South Korean NSA flies to US to meet John Bolton over North Korea talks

North Korea is offering negotiations with the United States in order to buy time to develop its nuclear weapons, the incoming US national security advisor (NSA) John Bolton said on Sunday.

In an interview on the "Cats Roundtable" radio show, Bolton said, "I think we have to look at what North Korea's motivation is here. I think they're very worried that they've got a different president in the White House than Barack Obama. They're worried about the pressure that the president's (Donald Trump) already put on."

"They've got a fairly limited number of things they need to do in North Korea to make their nuclear warheads actually deliverable on targets in the United States. So they want to try and slow roll the negotiations to buy more time. This is something they've done consistently over the last 25 years," he added.

Bolton is known as one of the most hawkish voices in US foreign policy and has recently argued for a preventive strike on North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported.

President Trump picked Bolton as his new NSA on Friday, replacing H.R. McMaster, shortly after he replaced Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with another hawk, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo last week.

Both the decisions came after the US president accepted Kim's invitation to a summit, which the former said would take place before the end of May.

He underscored that sooner the meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will happen, the issue of denuclearisation would be solved in a "concrete manner" and not by "theoretical discussion".

Bolton served as the ambassador to the United Nations under former US President George W. Bush during parts of 2005 and 2006. He will take over as the new NSA on April 9.

US National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton underscored that sooner the meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will happen, the issue of denuclearisation would be solved in a "concrete manner" and not by 'theoretical discussion'

North Korea is offering negotiations with the United States in order to buy time to develop its nuclear weapons, the incoming US national security advisor (NSA) John Bolton said on Sunday. In an interview on the "Cats Roundtable" radio show, Bolton said, "I think we have to look at what North Korea's motivation is here. I think they're very worried that they've got a different president in the White House than Barack Obama. They're worried about the pressure that the president's (Donald Trump) already put on." "They've got a fairly limited number of things they need to do in North Korea to make their nuclear warheads actually deliverable on targets in the United States. So they want to try and slow roll the negotiations to buy more time. This is something they've done consistently over the last 25 years," he added. Bolton is known as one of the most hawkish voices in US foreign policy and has recently argued for a preventive strike on North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported. President Trump picked Bolton as his new NSA on Friday, replacing H.R. McMaster, shortly after he replaced Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with another hawk, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo last week. Both the decisions came after the US president accepted Kim's invitation to a summit, which the former said would take place before the end of May. He underscored that sooner the meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will happen, the issue of denuclearisation would be solved in a "concrete manner" and not by "theoretical discussion". Bolton served as the ambassador to the United Nations under former US President George W. Bush during parts of 2005 and 2006. He will take over as the new NSA on April 9.

North Korea buying time to develop nuclear weapons: Bolton

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump shook up his foreign policy team again on Thursday, replacing HR&nbsp;McMaster as national security adviser with John Bolton, a hawk who has advocated using military force against North Korea and Iran.

The move, announced in a tweet, came little more than a week after the firing by Trump of Rex Tillerson as secretary of state. Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo was nominated to replace him.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I am pleased to announce that, effective 4/9/18, <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbJohnBolton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmbJohnBolton</a> will be my new National Security Advisor. I am very thankful for the service of General H.R. McMaster who has done an outstanding job &amp; will always remain my friend. There will be an official contact handover on 4/9.
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/976948306927607810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The shake-up means Trump is bringing in top advisers more likely to agree with his views, with a prospective summit meeting approaching between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. That is supposed to happen by the end of May.

McMaster, hired early in Trump&#39;s presidency to replace scandal-tarred Michael Flynn as national security adviser, had been widely expected to leave soon.

Trump found McMaster&#39;s style grating and had been looking for a replacement, advisers said.

The White House said Trump and McMaster had &quot;mutually agreed&quot; that he would leave.

&quot;I am very thankful for the service of General H.R. McMaster who has done an outstanding job &amp; will always remain my friend,&quot; Trump&#39;s tweet said.

The announcement came a day after Trump was angered by a leak of information from his presidential briefing papers that said he was advised specifically not to congratulate Russian President Vladimir Putin on his disputed re-election.

&quot;The two have been discussing this for some time. The timeline was expedited as they both felt it was important to have the new team in place, instead of constant speculation. This was not related to any one moment or incident, rather it was the result of ongoing conversations between the two,&quot; a senior White House official said.

McMaster, 55, is to stay on until mid-April. He said in a statement he was also requesting retirement from the U.S. Army, in which he holds the rank of three-star general.

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly had been hoping to entice McMaster into another military assignment in order to qualify as a four-star general.

&#39;FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS&#39;

The hiring of Bolton, 69, which does not require U.S. Senate confirmation, came despite concerns by some foreign policy analysts that the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations might use his position to pursue his own global views, rather than carry out Trump&#39;s.

&ldquo;Bolton has long been an advocate for pre-emptive military action against North Korea, and his appointment as National Security Adviser is a strong signal that President Trump remains open to these options,&quot; said Abraham Denmark, deputy assistant secretary of defence for East Asia under former President Barack Obama.

&quot;We should also expect an even more confrontational approach to China - a trade war may just be the beginning of a broader geopolitical competition,&rdquo; he said.

The announcement was made shortly after Bolton and Trump met in the Oval Office.

As the State Department&#39;s top arms control official under President George W. Bush, Bolton was a leading advocate of the 2003 invasion of Iraq - which was later found to have been based on bogus and exaggerated intelligence about President Saddam Hussein&#39;s weapons of mass destruction and ties to terrorism.

In recent years, as a conservative media commentator, Bolton has advocated hardline positions on stopping Pyongyang from getting nuclear weapons that could threaten the United States. He has also advocated getting rid of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, a pact Trump has also heavily criticized.

&ldquo;Bolton has long supported regime change in North Korea and closer ties with Taiwan. Fasten your seat belts,&rdquo; said Bonnie Glaser, Asia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

The shake-up means Trump is bringing in top advisers more likely to agree with his views, with a prospective summit meeting approaching between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

US President Donald Trump shook up his foreign policy team again on Thursday, replacing HR McMaster as national security adviser with John Bolton, a hawk who has advocated using military force against North Korea and Iran. The move, announced in a tweet, came little more than a week after the firing by Trump of Rex Tillerson as secretary of state. Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo was nominated to replace him. I am pleased to announce that, effective 4/9/18, @AmbJohnBolton will be my new National Security Advisor. I am very thankful for the service of General H.R. McMaster who has done an outstanding job & will always remain my friend. There will be an official contact handover on 4/9. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 22, 2018 × The shake-up means Trump is bringing in top advisers more likely to agree with his views, with a prospective summit meeting approaching between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. That is supposed to happen by the end of May. McMaster, hired early in Trump's presidency to replace scandal-tarred Michael Flynn as national security adviser, had been widely expected to leave soon. Trump found McMaster's style grating and had been looking for a replacement, advisers said. The White House said Trump and McMaster had "mutually agreed" that he would leave. "I am very thankful for the service of General H.R. McMaster who has done an outstanding job & will always remain my friend," Trump's tweet said. The announcement came a day after Trump was angered by a leak of information from his presidential briefing papers that said he was advised specifically not to congratulate Russian President Vladimir Putin on his disputed re-election. "The two have been discussing this for some time. The timeline was expedited as they both felt it was important to have the new team in place, instead of constant speculation. This was not related to any one moment or incident, rather it was the result of ongoing conversations between the two," a senior White House official said. McMaster, 55, is to stay on until mid-April. He said in a statement he was also requesting retirement from the U.S. Army, in which he holds the rank of three-star general. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly had been hoping to entice McMaster into another military assignment in order to qualify as a four-star general. 'FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS' The hiring of Bolton, 69, which does not require U.S. Senate confirmation, came despite concerns by some foreign policy analysts that the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations might use his position to pursue his own global views, rather than carry out Trump's. “Bolton has long been an advocate for pre-emptive military action against North Korea, and his appointment as National Security Adviser is a strong signal that President Trump remains open to these options," said Abraham Denmark, deputy assistant secretary of defence for East Asia under former President Barack Obama. "We should also expect an even more confrontational approach to China - a trade war may just be the beginning of a broader geopolitical competition,” he said. The announcement was made shortly after Bolton and Trump met in the Oval Office. As the State Department's top arms control official under President George W. Bush, Bolton was a leading advocate of the 2003 invasion of Iraq - which was later found to have been based on bogus and exaggerated intelligence about President Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction and ties to terrorism. In recent years, as a conservative media commentator, Bolton has advocated hardline positions on stopping Pyongyang from getting nuclear weapons that could threaten the United States. He has also advocated getting rid of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, a pact Trump has also heavily criticized. “Bolton has long supported regime change in North Korea and closer ties with Taiwan. Fasten your seat belts,” said Bonnie Glaser, Asia expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

In yet another shake-up of his foreign policy team, Trump replaces NSA McMaster with Bolton

&nbsp;The newly appointed United States National Security Advisor (NSA), John Bolton, who had been a US ambassador to the United Nations, has had grave concerns about Pakistan&#39;s nuclear arsenal.

Last year, he said if Pakistan&#39;s nuclear arms fall into the hands of terrorists, it would be like NorthKorea or Iran on steroids.

&quot;Pakistan is a nuclear power and if it were to tip into terrorist control it would be like #NorthKorea or #Iran on steroids,&quot; Bolton tweeted last year.

Bolton, who was also an analyst on the Fox News Channel, is also of the opinion that more pressure should be exerted on Pakistan government to compel it to take action against terrorist groups operating from their territory.

&quot;Look, I think Afghanistan will be won or lost in Pakistan. And I certainly think that more pressure on the government there because of its support for terrorist groups, giving them safe haven in Pakistan is welcome,&quot; he said on the channel last year.

Yesterday, President Trump appointed Bolton as the NSA, replacing HR McMaster.

Bolton served as the ambassador to the United Nations under former US President George W Bush during parts of 2005 and 2006.&nbsp;

"Pakistan is a nuclear power and if it were to tip into terrorist control it would be like #NorthKorea or #Iran on steroids," Bolton tweeted last year

The newly appointed United States National Security Advisor (NSA), John Bolton, who had been a US ambassador to the United Nations, has had grave concerns about Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. Last year, he said if Pakistan's nuclear arms fall into the hands of terrorists, it would be like NorthKorea or Iran on steroids. "Pakistan is a nuclear power and if it were to tip into terrorist control it would be like #NorthKorea or #Iran on steroids," Bolton tweeted last year. Bolton, who was also an analyst on the Fox News Channel, is also of the opinion that more pressure should be exerted on Pakistan government to compel it to take action against terrorist groups operating from their territory. "Look, I think Afghanistan will be won or lost in Pakistan. And I certainly think that more pressure on the government there because of its support for terrorist groups, giving them safe haven in Pakistan is welcome," he said on the channel last year. Yesterday, President Trump appointed Bolton as the NSA, replacing HR McMaster. Bolton served as the ambassador to the United Nations under former US President George W Bush during parts of 2005 and 2006.

New US  National Security Advisor once compared Pak's nukes to 'North Korea on steroids'

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani has emerged as a leading candidate to be Republican President-elect Donald Trump&#39;s secretary of state, a source familiar with the situation said on Monday.

The source said John Bolton, who served as US&nbsp;ambassador to the United Nations under President George W&nbsp;Bush, was also under consideration to head the State Department.

Besides Giuliani and Bolton, former US&nbsp;House of Representatives speaker Newt Gingrich has also been reported as a possible secretary of state.

Giuliani, a vocal supporter of Trump during his presidential campaign against Democrat Hillary Clinton, had previously been reported as a candidate for attorney general.

(Reuters)

Trump may also pick former US House of Representatives speaker Newt Gingrich for Hillary Clinton's former job

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani has emerged as a leading candidate to be Republican President-elect Donald Trump's secretary of state, a source familiar with the situation said on Monday. The source said John Bolton, who served as US ambassador to the United Nations under President George W Bush, was also under consideration to head the State Department. Besides Giuliani and Bolton, former US House of Representatives speaker Newt Gingrich has also been reported as a possible secretary of state. Giuliani, a vocal supporter of Trump during his presidential campaign against Democrat Hillary Clinton, had previously been reported as a candidate for attorney general. (Reuters)

Giuliani, Bolton leading candidates for next US secretary of state

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