Green Party Leader Accuses Trump of 'Law of the Jungle' in Iran Conflict
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has launched a scathing attack on former US President Donald Trump, accusing him of operating under "the law of the jungle" in response to America's recent military strikes on Iran. Polanski, who describes himself as an "eco-populist," led left-wing criticism of what he termed "illegal and unprovoked" attacks by the United States and Israel, which resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Condemnation of International Law Erosion
Speaking on the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Polanski expressed grave concerns about the erosion of international law. "We've seen what I would say is an illegal and unprovoked attack," he stated. "We've got a Defence Secretary saying that diplomacy is the long runway we need but won't condemn Donald Trump when he attacks a country and assassinates its leader. That's the law of the jungle. That's an end to international law."
Polanski claimed that "international law is eroding before our very eyes," warning that this development makes everyone less safe. He emphasised that his primary priority as a political leader is to protect people in the United Kingdom, arguing that national security is being compromised by escalating tensions in the Middle East region.
Criticism of UK Government Response
The Green leader was particularly critical of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's response to the crisis. Polanski described it as "absolutely outrageous" that Starmer had condemned Iran for its retaliatory missile strikes across the Middle East—which hit civilian airports and hotels—while failing to criticise "Israel and America that started the bombing in the first place."
He urged the Prime Minister to "get out on TV and condemn these illegal and unprovoked strikes," adding: "I need to see the PM talk about de-escalation and I need to see a disentanglement of this country with the military with the US, which I think is pulling us into a more dangerous position."
Historical Perspective on Military Intervention
Polanski offered a historical perspective on military intervention, asserting: "I do know there's no example in history where you've bombed people to democracy. Air strikes for regime change has never led to an example where a country is better off afterwards."
While acknowledging he didn't have "an easy answer" for bringing peace and democracy to Iran and the region, he insisted on the importance of de-escalation. When challenged on whether he was also calling on Iran to stop its strikes, Polanski clarified that "he was calling on everyone to de-escalate."
Defence of Iranian People Versus Regime
The Green leader was careful to distinguish between the Iranian regime and its people. "I'm here in no way to defend the Iranian regime," he explained, "but I'm here to defend and speak up for the Iranian people." This statement came in response to Trump's justification that the strikes aimed to eliminate "imminent threats" from Tehran and halt Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Polanski countered Trump's claims about diplomatic efforts, noting: "It's absolutely outrageous they (Iran) can be at the negotiating table and then our PM puts out a statement that actually condemns Iran for a retaliatory attack."
Political Backlash and Context
Polanski's comments sparked immediate backlash from political opponents. Labour MP David Taylor branded him a "charlatan," stating: "How dare this absolute charlatan claim to be listening to and speaking up for the Iranian people, whilst doing anything but."
The controversy comes as Polanski's Green Party recently secured victory in Thursday's Gorton and Denton by-election, giving added weight to his political voice. He argued that the UK should "disentangle" itself from decades of military cooperation with the United States, suggesting this alignment pulls Britain into more dangerous positions internationally.
Polanski expressed concern about the UK's relationship with the US, saying: "It's quite astounding that we have a Prime Minister that seems singularly incapable of standing up to Donald Trump and letting the UK stand on its own two feet, and I'm worried the UK is going to be pulled into another illegal war."
