Radio National Breakfast Former NATO deputy commander describes US-Iran war as 'a war of hubris, a war of choice'
Mar 8, 2026
General Sir Richard Shirreff, retired British Army officer and former NATO deputy commander, offers strategic military perspective. He discusses rifts in US‑UK relations, the limits of alliance obligations, threats to sea lines in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, and warnings about owning a regional mess without a clear end state. He urges caution and recalibration among Western powers.
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War Of Hubris Without Clear End State
- General Sir Richard Shirreff calls the US-led action a "war of hubris" lacking a clear strategy or end state.
- He warns Britain should avoid repeating the post-2003 Iraq outcome by being wary of entering without defined objectives.
Keep Military Involvement At Arm's Length
- Do keep the US-Israeli operation at arm's length unless objectives and long-term burdens are clear.
- Sir Richard says nations that join will "own the mess" Trump might declare victory over and then leave.
Article 5 Unlikely But Sea Lanes Are A NATO Concern
- Article 5 requires North Atlantic Council agreement and so far looks unlikely to be triggered.
- Sir Richard flags threats to NATO sea lines of communication in the Red Sea and Straits of Hormuz as a priority NATO should address.