US risks leaving 'vengeful' Iran a danger to Gulf allies, former White House adviser Hochstein warns

Amos Hochstein, a former White House adviser during Joe Biden's administration, has warned that the U.S. risks leaving Iran "angry and vengeful" and a threat to Gulf allies if the conflict in the region is not resolved through a negotiated settlement. Hochstein, who previously backed President Trump's June 2025 strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, opposes the ongoing war but does not sympathize with Tehran.

In an interview, Hochstein criticized the lack of a clear victory or settlement, stating that Iran may not act against the U.S. or its allies immediately but may not forget the conflict in the long run. He also expressed concern over the financial burden of the war on American consumers at the gas pump and through the Pentagon budget.

Hochstein further criticized the administration for withholding the war's toll on U.S. forces and accused the Trump administration of not reacting to the Houthi campaign against Saudi Arabia. Despite this, Hochstein acknowledged Saudi Arabia's support during the Saudi-Houthi truce, which he believes the U.S. should draw a line on when civilians are targeted.

Regarding the U.S. withdrawal from the Middle East, Hochstein disagreed with the idea, expressing worry about growing isolationism. In terms of energy policy, Hochstein suggested that Democrats would use their potential House control to push back against what they call the administration's effective ban on new wind and solar power.

He also criticized Lebanon's current president and prime minister for abandoning a ceasefire plan they had initially agreed upon, describing it as a "fantasy that things happen just because people say they do."