Full Story Jonathan Freedland on what it will take for Trump to walk away from war
Mar 5, 2026
Jonathan Freedland, Guardian columnist and Politics Weekly America host, guides the conversation. He explores what might push Donald Trump to end a widening US–Israel conflict. He examines the power of market shocks and TV images, contrasts this crisis with the Iraq lead-up, and considers impacts on global order and regional allies.
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Use Market Panic As The Trump Exit Signal
- Watch market reactions as a trigger for Trump to de-escalate military action.
- Jonathan Freedland says a sharp oil-price spike and market jitters historically push Trump to back down, citing tariffs and Greenland episodes.
Terrible TV Images Can Force A Political Retreat
- Television images that blame the leader can force Trump to seek an end to conflict.
- Freedland notes ugly broadcast pictures of civilian atrocity previously prompted Trump to signal de-escalation during Israel's Gaza actions.
This War Skipped The Pretext And Coalition Playbook
- This Iran action lacked the long pretext and coalition-building seen before the 2003 Iraq invasion.
- Freedland highlights the reversal: action came first, public case and allied explanations followed, breaking prior diplomatic norms.