A US fighter jet prepares to launch from the USS Abraham Lincoln as part of the US attacks on Iran. Photograph: US Navy/ReutersAmerica’s allies wanted to avoid being drawn into the war against Iran. America’s unchecked military powerDonald Trump’s war in the Middle East that began with his attack on Iran expanded this morning when Israel started bombing Lebanon in response to Hizbullah’s first rocket attacks since 2024. The Gulf states tried to stay out of the war, signalling their neutrality by making clear that they would not allow the United States to use their territory or airspace to launch attacks on Iran. Britain’s Keir Starmer has already agreed to allow the US to use British bases, something he initially refused to do because the US attack on Iran was in breach of international law.

Source: The Irish Times March 02, 2026 13:36 UTC