US war on Iran: Trump pressures allies in war effort but offers 'no role in strategy'

Kethevane Gorjestani is pleased to welcome Ian Lesser, Author and Senior Director for Foreign and Security Policy at the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF). According to Mr. Lesser, the current crisis in the Middle East is not simply a regional conflict, rather a systemic shock to the global order. What we are witnessing is the convergence of energy insecurity, strategic distrust, and shifting alliances across Europe, Asia, and the United States. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime chokepoint, has sparked serious political, diplomatic and economic challenges. European actors are increasingly compelled to think beyond traditional transatlantic frameworks, while countries like Ukraine are adapting creatively to maintain relevance and support. Ultimately, this moment forces all actors to confront a central question: who bears responsibility for global security and economic stability in an era of fragmented leadership?