War in the Middle East
Mark Leonard welcomes Aziz Alghashian, Eran Etzion and Ellie Geranmayeh to discuss the implications of a prolonged war in the Middle East and possible ceasefire scenarios
Iran
War over law: Europe’s unforced errors over the use of force in Iran
Some European leaders’ comments are going even further than overlooking the unlawful nature of the war—and could open the door to a further weakening of the non-aggression principle
Gimme fuel, hold the fire: How Europe can safeguard its energy security against Gulf shocks
The US-Iran war has sent oil prices soaring, testing the EU’s energy resilience despite its light reliance on the Middle East. To manage the impact, EU policymakers should secure shipping lanes, tap strategic reserves and redouble efforts to escape Moscow’s grip
Strategic lunacy: Why Europeans must stand up to Trump’s illegal war in Iran
Too many Europeans are quietly aligning with America and Israel’s war against Iran. Instead, they urgently need to pursue difficult diplomacy to halt a spiralling conflict that is significantly undermining European security and economic interests
Trump vs Sanchez: Why Europeans should back Spain against US threats
The US has threatened Spain with a trade embargo for refusing it access to Spanish military bases. European leaders should use this moment to show they are capable of not bowing to Washington when it is against their interests
A war with no winners: The costs of US-Israeli aggression on Iran
US and Israeli strikes on Iran have plunged the Middle East into wider war. Retaliation, regional entanglements and disrupted trade make one outcome clear: no side will achieve an easy victory
Trump’s strikes on Iran are an illegal war of choice—and Europeans should say so
As the conflict threatens to escalate, European governments must make an assertive case for diplomacy and prepare for humanitarian catastrophe
Selling peace to Trump: How Europe can prevent the next Middle East war
Israel is agitating for US strikes against Iran, while preparing for renewed war in Lebanon. Europeans should work to contain Trump and Netanyahu to prevent renewed offensives in both arenas, while supporting Lebanon’s fragile governance
Traps and limits: Why Trump bombing Iran won’t deliver what he wants
The US is locked in a cat-and-mouse game of escalation with Iran. Europeans should work with partners in the Middle East to restrain Trump’s military attacks, prevent broader war and pursue measures to protect against the fates that befell Libya and Syria
How Europe can help Iranians break the internet shutdown
Tehran has used a communications blackout to suppress nationwide protests and control information flows. French and UK governments can use their own satellite terminals to provide Iranians with independent internet access