The Inside Story Podcast Has Donald Trump failed to sell the Iran war to the world?
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Mar 6, 2026 
Dominique Trinquand, former head of France’s military mission to the UN and NATO, Anatol Lieven, Eurasia Programme director at the Quincy Institute, and Theresa Fallon, director of CREAS and expert on Europe-Russia-China ties. They debate Western alienation, unilateral US tactics, sidelined allies, and the wider geopolitical and energy fallout as global powers react.
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Europe Feels Sidelined After JCPOA Collapse
- European governments feel impotent and sidelined as the US unilaterally tore up the JCPOA and pursued actions without consulting them.
- Anatol Lieven and Theresa Fallon note Europe tried to defend the 2015 deal but could not resist US pressure, leaving them strategically weakened.
Conflict Seen As Israeli Led With US Backing
- The US approach appears driven by Israeli priorities, with limited consultation of other allies and discussion only after consequences emerge.
- Dominique Trinquand argues the campaign resembles an Israeli war supported by the US rather than a broadly consulted coalition effort.
European Responses Vary By Domestic Politics
- European leaders show varied responses: Spain openly rejects illegal action while others like the UK initially resist then allow limited support.
- Theresa Fallon highlights domestic politics shaping stances and the US's limited ability to economically punish some EU states like Spain.