Trump has been much less successful in building support for the Iran war, at home or abroad. Are we going to “obliterate” (that word again) Iran’s civilian infrastructure, as Trump announced on 21 March? At times, Trump has issued stern edicts that sound vaguely reminiscent of the second world war, demanding an “unconditional surrender” that Iran is clearly not offering. The resulting loss of confidence in the United States has been devastating, as Europe’s ongoing ambivalence over the Iran war demonstrates. That is a calamity for both countries, and a gift to Putin, who is likely to emerge the real victor of the Iran war.

Source: The Guardian March 31, 2026 17:21 UTC