The News Agents Does Donald Trump remember who started the war in Iran?
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May 5, 2026 Discussion of Project Freedom and contested claims about securing the Strait of Hormuz. Heated debate over who triggered the Iran conflict and whether US actions ended a fragile ceasefire. Exploration of shifting regional alliances as Gulf states and Europe reassess US leadership. Political fallout at home with plunging approval ratings for a UK politician after a controversial retweet.
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Trump Presents Himself As Saviour Of The Strait
- Donald Trump is recasting himself as the saviour of the Strait of Hormuz with 'Project Freedom' claiming a US 'red, white and blue dome' protects shipping.
- Jon Sopel argues this is political theatre to stem falling approval and rising fuel costs after US/Israeli actions made the strait unsafe.
Economics, Not Altruism, Is Fueling US Moves
- The conflict's economic effects are the driving force behind US actions, not pure humanitarian motives, because fuel prices and domestic approval matter to Trump.
- Emily Maitlis says the US made the situation worse by launching attacks that closed the strait, forcing a reactive security posture.
Iran Still Controls The Battlefield Dynamics
- Despite US military presence, Iran continues to press attacks and appears to be calling the shots, undermining US claims of control.
- Sopel highlights Iranian strikes on Gulf targets and small boats still threatening commercial vessels.