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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
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Rafael Behr

Starmer’s position on Iran pleases no one, but that is because there are no good options

Donald Trump and Keir Starmer meet at Chequers in Buckinghamshire, September 2025.
Donald Trump and Keir Starmer meet at Chequers in Buckinghamshire, September 2025. Photograph: Leon Neal/Reuters

It is not easy being a friend of Donald Trump, but it is a lot less dangerous than being his enemy. There isn’t a huge range of options in between. War in the Middle East is exposing how limited the choices are for a British prime minister.

The US president doesn’t see alliances as long-term relationships based on mutual advantage, but as rolling transactions on a mafia model. The boss offers protection in exchange for tribute and loyalty.

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