Iranian Hackers Breached John Bolton’s Email, Mocked Him as “Mr. Mustache”
Former U.S. National Security Adviser faces 18 charges, including illegal transfer of classified defense data, and could face up to 180 years in prison
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The U.S.-based Fox News reported on Thursday that Iranian hackers allegedly gained access to the personal email account of former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton, referring to him mockingly as “Mr. Mustache.”
According to the report, the hackers wished Bolton “success” and threatened to release classified documents they claimed to have obtained from his personal email.
The information was reportedly drawn from the indictment and search warrant for Bolton’s residence, reviewed by Fox News Digital.
Indictment Details and Security Violations
John Bolton, the American diplomat who served as National Security Adviser from April 2018 to September 2019, was indicted in October 2025 on 18 charges, including eight counts of illegal transfer of national defense information and ten counts of mishandling classified materials.
Bolton has denied all charges.
According to the indictment, Bolton allegedly sent more than a thousand pages of notes containing sensitive information, including details of meetings with U.S. officials and foreign leaders as well as intelligence reports, from his personal email account to his wife and daughter, neither of whom had security clearance.
In July 2021, Bolton’s assistant notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that Iran had accessed Bolton’s email account. His team reportedly deleted emails to prevent the hackers from obtaining further sensitive information.
Threatening Emails and the “Mr. Mustache” Message
A few weeks later, Bolton’s assistant received a threatening email linked to the hack. The email, titled “New Password,” read:
“I don’t think you’d want the FBI to learn about the leaked content of John’s emails — especially after the recent acquittal. This could be the biggest scandal since Hillary Clinton’s email leaks, but this time from the Republicans! Contact us before it’s too late.”
In August 2021, another email from the same account threatened to release the deleted sections of Bolton’s memoir, The Room Where It Happened, which had reportedly been accessed through the hack.
The email read:
“Okay John... as you wish. We’ll publish the deleted parts of your book. Good luck, Mr. Mustache!”
FBI Search Uncovers Classified Material
The FBI’s search of Bolton’s residence in September 2025 uncovered classified documents marked “confidential,” including references to weapons of mass destruction, at his home and office in Washington.
If convicted on all counts, John Bolton could face up to 180 years in prison. (PW)