New DispatchesKenneth WebbMarch 06, 2026The Iran War, Sir Kier Starmer, prime minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Churchillian, Rooseveltian, illegal war, we will not prosecute an illegal war, special relationship, Commonwealth of NationsComment

The Iran War 2026

New Dispatches

The Iran War

March 2026

On this Friday evening, 6 March 2026, I stand as I have done right from the start with Sir Kier Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Many things have been said this week. I pay little heed to a man, leader or not, who uses his own social platform to address his Country’s People, and every other country in the world, from his bedroom in the middle of the night.

Not Churchill? I think even the prime minister would agree. There is not a single British prime minister who would wish to be regarded as Churchillian.

I imagine that there is a sizeable majority of republicans and democrats and independents in America this week who would say of the 47th … not Rooseveltian.

The Special Relationship

Come again? What special relationship? We do not want a special relationship. There is no need. Our systems are intricately woven in our sharing of intelligence and many more things besides. It is wise not to presume that the British People yearn for a special relationship with America.

We do not. We have no desire for such a relationship.

The basis of the link between America and Britain is so deeply rooted that to try and express that rooting in a superficial, almost media-hype, soundbite makes us, here, on this side of the Atlantic Ocean secretly curl our toes up inside our shoes and boots. And this is so throughout the fifty-six member states of the Commonwealth of Nations.

We respect the American Constitution. Greatly so.

I am just turning seventy-three and as I recall every president in my lifetime since Eisenhower, and vividly so, I have always held in the highest respect that prestigious title The Office of the President of the United States.

That has long gone.

It faded away during the 45th presidency. There was a brief glimmer during the 46th presidency, and then that phrase entered my mind, the phrase I often say when ending a eulogy at funerals … there is darkness now but, in the morning, comes light.

There is deep darkness now.

Only American voters can steer the great ship of state. At the moment, there is absence on the bridge. It is for the American People to resolve that. And they will indeed do precisely that.

The rupture that took place in 2016, became volcanic on 6 January 2021 and cataclysmic on 28 February 2026. Look to the source in each terrifying moment and one person is found.

In the British Isles we know what we are about. We have clearly defined lines of engagement. We will not prosecute an illegal war.

Gloucestershire and Liverpool

The Banner Image ~ Iran by Amin RK @amiwnrk via Unsplash