America has painted itself into a corner The Statesman 07 Apr 2026
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America has painted itself into a corner The Statesman 07 Apr 2026
In his address to the nation, last week, Trump stated that his ‘objectives are nearing completion’ in the war against Iran and that it could end in another couple of weeks. He also threatened to withdraw from NATO citing ‘lack of help’ in the conflict. The war has been extremely unpopular in both the US and the world. Trump and Netanyahu waded into the conflict despite positive negotiations. All demands raised by Trump were being accepted by Iran but Netanyahu had his own intentions.
He possibly blackmailed Trump on targeting Iran thereby reducing its ability to influence anti-Israel groups as a pre-requisite for backing his Gaza peace plan. US and Israel employed overwhelming airpower against Iran, assassinating its leadership and destroying not only a major portion of its military capabilities but also educational institutes and research centres.
Their goal posts to end the war continued shifting as operations progressed. The Straits of Hormuz were an open passage prior to the conflict but faces blockades now. Trump is demanding that the same be re-opened. Iran, despite major losses, refuses to be cowed down, targeting the entire region, damaging US bases and impacting the global economy by rising oil prices and shortages. It has exploited its geography as a weapon and employed oil as pressure on Trump, actions the US had possibly not envisaged.
The world reacted largely in anger and disbelief to this unilateral action by the US. While most nations continue silently suffering shortfalls of oil, gas and fertilizers, few have begun hitting back. European nations, which had hesitated to anger the US considering its importance in NATO as also its support to Ukraine, are finally displaying their frustration. They claim that the US launched this attack without consulting them and now has the audacity to demand that they join it in the conflict.
Italy, Spain, Austria amongst others have closed their airspace and airbases to the US. Poland refused to transfer its Patriot batteries to the Middle East. France blocked overflights for Israeli aircraft carrying military supplies from the US. Switzerland denied US reconnaissance flights and Germany termed the war as ‘possibly illegal.’ UK initially blocked use of its airbases but subsequently permitted it for ‘limited defensive action.’ These refusals have an operational impact as these bases are essential for transit and staging areas.
A group of more than 30 nations, including India, under the aegis of UK are discussing diplomatic and political means to push Iran to re-open the Straits of Hormuz after a ceasefire.
Nations in the Middle East were miffed with the US for ignoring them while employing its air defence resources to protect Israel. They refused to join the US in its operations while unofficially insisting that degradation of Iran continues. Saudi Arabia ignored the US while inking an agreement with Ukraine on procuring anti-drone and interceptor technology. There has been widespread anger in the region over Trump’s insulting comments on the Saudi Crown Prince.
The retaliation from Trump to Europe’s actions came swiftly. In a series of tweets Trump threatened Europe that he would not be there when NATO needed it in the future. He also threatened to pull the US out of NATO, something not easily feasible. He warned that the US will not re-open the Straits of Hormuz as they do not use it.
Trump tweeted, ‘You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the US won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil.’ He also mentioned that they have been ‘very unhelpful.’ Israel, angry at France for preventing its aircraft from using their airspace, has suspended all arms procurement from them.
The rest of the world was also dismayed with oil prices skyrocketing as also shortages. China largely maintained silence over the conflict though supported Iran with satellite intelligence on US movements. Post the visit of the Pak foreign minister to Beijing, the two nations issued a joint statement. The statement placed emphasis on ceasefire, dialogue, protecting civilians and opening the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan is attempting to be a negotiator in the conflict, alongside Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, though it is largely relaying messages back and forth.
India has not backed any nation in this conflict. Neither will it participate in opening the Straits of Hormuz. While many claim India is displaying its strategic autonomy, in reality it is defending its national interests. India has close links with all nations involved in the conflict, Iran, Israel, US and Gulf countries. Its neutrality ensures movement of vessels flying the Indian flag through the Hormuz Straits. It was Trump who made a call to PM Modi and discussed the conflict, rather than the other way around. India has also provided safe berthing for an Iranian ship in its harbour.
Russia, which was impacted by sanctions on sale of its oil from the US, is now back to rebuilding its economy. While it has criticized unilateral US actions, it continues supporting Iran with satellite inputs on US movements. Its silence ensures no pressure on it to end its operations in Ukraine as also reduced US support to Kiev.
Shortfalls and increase in prices of oil, gas and fertilizers have impacted the global economy. Many nations are compelled to take measures to control their usage. This has further alienated the US and Trump.
The targeting of Iran without assessing the ramifications as also impact of the closure of the Hormuz Straits has worsened the US’s global standing, which Trump feels he can ignore. Relations with Europe were already moving downhill by Trump’s insults and snide remarks on their leaders, imposition of tariffs, threats on Greenland and abandoning Ukraine. European nations needed an excuse to display their displeasure. The Iran war was when they hit back, refusing to join Trump’s war.
The war may end but the reputation of the US as a dependable partner has taken a major hit. Trump and his team of so-called macho-men, Rubio and Hegseth, passing comments against the US’s traditional allies are only worsening ties. Trump’s belief that the US can weather any storm by itself is an illusion. Even within the US there is strong opposition to the conflict, which will impact Trump’s remaining days in office.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army