With the deadlocked war in Iran about to enter its fourth month, comparisons with previous US quagmires in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam are increasingly common. What once seemed exaggerated now appears all too real. The negative international humanitarian, economic, and geopolitical fallout from this fiasco threatens to be more permanently globally damaging than any of those past US-made disasters.
Who Will Stop Donald Trump?
An urgent question arises: who will stop Donald Trump? Having started something he cannot finish, the US president, egged on by Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, has boxed himself into a corner. Either he resumes illegal bombing on an even bigger scale, brazenly threatening war crimes, or he accepts a negotiated compromise that falls short of his initial aims, including eliminating Iran's nuclear programme. Neither choice is attractive for Trump.
The Failure of Bombing
Trump and his secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, should know that bombing cannot destroy Iran's defiance. It is not even militarily effective: 70% of Iran's missile stockpile reportedly remains intact. Trump's threats to break the ceasefire are opposed by Gulf states, Washington's allies (except Israel), and most US voters.
A Peace Deal Would Be Humiliating
A peace deal broadly in line with Barack Obama's 2015 nuclear pact would be an abject Trump failure, representing a landmark US strategic defeat. Any deal that leaves Iran charging transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz would be utterly humiliating. No amount of spin could conceal such a presidency-defining calamity.
The Global Impact
Trump's Iran problem is everyone's problem. The collapse in his approval ratings to about 37% is deserved. The standoff is doing immense harm worldwide.
Humanitarian Crisis
Among the poorest countries, the need to end the war is existential. Staple prices have doubled in Somalia, and fertiliser shortages could ruin harvests. The World Food Programme predicts an additional 45 million people will face acute hunger if the war continues. Foreign aid cuts by Trump, the UK, and others exacerbate the misery.
Economic Damage
Developed countries suffer from spiralling energy, fuel, food, and commodity prices. The IMF cut its global growth forecast to 3.1% in 2026, blaming the "shadow of war." Ordinary people everywhere are paying a Trump war tax.
Geopolitical Upheaval
The US is at odds with allies like Germany, France, and Britain. Gulf states question the US alliance. Russia benefits from reduced sanctions on its oil exports, while Ukraine suffers. China's global ascendancy is confirmed as Trump failed to secure its help on Iran.
Stopping Trump: What Must Be Done
An ever-expanding catastrophe is not inevitable. Trump must and can be stopped. Radical, concerted action is urgently required.
Western Governments Must Act
Western governments wield most leverage. Britain, France, and others should use their influence. Emmanuel Macron's idea of a "coalition of independence" should be deployed to make Trump see reason.
Multilateral Pressure
The EU, African Union, G20, and Brics should adopt a tougher, united approach. If Trump blocks peace talks, the US should face downgraded ties, sanctions, and tariffs. Next month's EU summit and G7 summit are key moments for leaders to bring him to heel.
UN Security Council Action
France and the UK could join China and Russia in demanding an immediate end to hostilities and independent mediation. European Nato members could limit military cooperation, restrict US bases, or send ambassadors home. Boycotts of the World Cup or US products could be considered.
Pressure from Americans
The most direct way to stop Trump is pressure from Americans themselves. Most deplore the war and face rising costs. Congressional efforts to stop this unauthorised war must be redoubled. In November's midterm elections, Trump and his Republican enablers must be punished.
The disease of Trump and Trumpism risks becoming a global pandemic. His Iran war is a symptom. Cuba may be next. Trump must understand his deficit-funded, ill-led military does not make him boss of the world. A bold, collective intervention by the US's friends is urgently required. By all legitimate means, Trump must be stopped.
