Donald Trump escalates conflict with Iran and criticizes Great Britain's stance

The situation in the Middle East has entered a phase of rapid escalation after a series of American attacks on Iran. The administration of Donald Trump, represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has announced taking all necessary steps to halt Iran's missile program. Rubio suggested that the direct involvement of the USA was forced by the real threat of a unilateral operation from Israel. These declarations have caused a storm in Congress, where parliamentarians of both houses await urgent explanations regarding the legal basis and goals of the military operation. However, the most serious diplomatic consequence of the conflict is the open conflict between Washington and London. Prime Minister Keir Starmer firmly refused to join British forces to the airstrikes, which Donald Trump described as proof that the 'special relationship' is no longer what it was in the past. The British government, despite growing pressure, maintains that it closely cooperates with US intelligence, but sees no basis for direct military escalation. Trump's criticism strikes at the foundations of the transatlantic security alliance. The concept of 'special relationship' (English: Special Relationship) was coined by Winston Churchill in 1946, describing the unique political, cultural, and military closeness between Great Britain and the United States, which was crucial for Western security throughout the Cold War.In the United States itself, the military operation has caused unexpected fractures in the Republican camp. Marjorie Taylor Greene, until now a loyal ally of Trump, criticized the administration for engaging the country in another 'forever war'. On the other hand, the Democratic opposition is deeply divided between the moderate wing, supporting attacks on missile targets, and progressives, who demand an immediate ceasefire. Security experts point out that without a clear plan regarding Iran's future, the USA could get stuck in a multi-year conflict exceeding the original assumptions of missile defense. „Our special relationship is obviously not what is was.” — Donald Trump Commentators note the change in the White House's rhetoric, which is moving away from demands for regime change in favor of 'changing behavior' of Iran in the area of ballistic technologies. Nevertheless, the lack of a coherent regional strategy raises concerns about the future of Ukraine, as Washington's attention and resources are being abruptly redirected to Tehran. At the same time, in Europe, fears are growing that the conflict could turn into a regional war, involving neighboring countries and destabilizing global energy markets.