The Rest Is Politics 514. Who Is Profiting from Trump's Iran Catastrophe?
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Mar 25, 2026 Trump’s clash with Iran sparks a tense look at who really gains, from Russia and Israel to shifting Gulf alliances. There’s a sharp debate over whether Britain should stay out entirely. The conversation also turns to economic shock, diplomatic realignment, and fears of a much wider conflict.
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The Gulf Pays A Vast Hidden Price
- Rory Stewart says the war is not only devastating Iran but also inflicting long-term economic damage on Gulf states and the wider global economy.
- Qatar is losing billions in daily LNG revenue, Gulf investors may freeze overseas capital, and governments worldwide now model inflation and energy shocks.
Why Britain Must Not Get Drawn In
- Rory Stewart says Britain should not join the war because any formal role would make it complicit in illegal escalation it cannot control.
- He warns even tanker escorts could spiral after a drone or speedboat strike, dragging Britain into retaliatory attacks alongside the US and Israel.
The US War Aim In Iran Is Unclear
- Alastair Campbell says the US cannot even define what success in Iran means, leaving troops and allies inside a war without a coherent objective.
- He cites Phil Klay’s argument that the only consistent rationale is a fetish for domination and violence, not peace or strategy.