Former UK Prime Minister Sir John Major criticized former US President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran war and condemned Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for his “tiptoeing” approach around Trump. Speaking at a lecture in London honoring Clement Attlee, Sir John challenged the legality and strategy of the Iran conflict, noting the absence of United Nations support and the unclear, shifting objectives of the war.
Criticism of US War Strategy and Lack of UN Approval
Sir John Major highlighted that President Trump did not seek a UN resolution to authorize the Iran war, and no countries except Israel were consulted. He warned that hostilities are unlikely to end with bombing, predicting prolonged regional instability and new cycles of hatred and radicalization. He described the demands for surrender as unrealistic and stated that no clear exit strategy has been presented.
Condemnation of US Political Figures and NATO Approach
Major sharply criticized Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for attacking Europe and NATO, calling their rhetoric “shameful.” He highlighted Vance’s claim that Europeans pose a greater threat to freedom than Russia as offensive and inaccurate, emphasizing that Russia initiated the Ukraine invasion. He also criticized Trump’s inconsistent treatment of world leaders, noting how President Vladimir Putin received a “red-carpet reception” at the White House while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was “ambushed.”
Call for a More Assertive UK-US Relationship
Comparing current US-UK relations unfavorably to those during the first Gulf War under George H.W. Bush, Sir John urged British leaders to engage openly and honestly with the US rather than “tiptoeing” to avoid upsetting Trump. He warned that diminishing the UK’s sovereignty in dealings with the US risks being perceived as subordinate rather than allied. He also criticized Trump’s unilateral tariffs, demands for Greenland, and dismissive stance on European security, asserting these moves break from the traditional US approach.
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