This British former Nato military chief’s takedown of Trump’s attack on Iran was simply magnificent and had Brits everywhere applauding

Donald Trump has been giving Keir Starmer no end of stick for not immediately rushing to his side to attack Iran.

And everything we have learned since about this extraordinary war suggests Starmer was completely right not to do so. But it hasn’t stopped media commentators (and opposition leader Kemi Badenoch) piling in on the PM.

Not so this man, however, former deputy supreme allied commander Europe, Nato, Richard Schiff whose response to what Trump is doing – and how Starmer handled it – had Brits everywhere applauding. Especially in our house.

‘America is being led by a couple of gung-ho nutters.’ Not exactly the usual diplomatic language, but a fair appraisal of this grotesque situation all the same. pic.twitter.com/qOgUGS9F0z

— Tim Walker (@ThatTimWalker) March 5, 2026

Well they do say it’s best to talk in language Trump will understand (we think our favourite bit is the Mark Austin’s super rapid blinking when Schiff calls them ‘gang ho nutters’.

And these people loved it just as much as we did.

1.

At last some one talking sense, straight up. The whole world is dealing with these nutters & they’re setting it on flame. Let’s not pretend & try intellectualise, rationalise, diplomize or look for where our interest are -we’re dealing with lunatics & they’re running the asylum

— Sandy Ellis (@Sandy8Ellis) March 5, 2026

2.

I can’t believe that Sky aired this. The guy is spot on. 🎯

The ‘Special Relationship’ is the relationship between the USA & Israel. Ask any American.

— Ilkley John (@IlkleyJohn) March 5, 2026

3.

I’m not sure they were expecting him to be so direct !

— Michele #FBPE#FBPPR 🇪🇺🇬🇧🇯🇲🔸 (@MicloutT) March 5, 2026

4.

He’s right, Trump and Hegseth are gung-ho nutters.

— Jane and Zoé 🇪🇺 🇧🇪🇮🇪🇵🇹🇫🇷🇮🇹🇿🇦 (@JaneRackham2) March 5, 2026

5.

Quite incredible interview. https://t.co/WYJE3XzmsI

— Academic Agent (@AcademicAgent_X) March 5, 2026

6.

Please watch this.
Intelligent and informed comment.
‘There is NO special relationship with the US’. https://t.co/qeIiRAvtPs

— Ted Smith 🇪🇺 (@TedUrchin) March 5, 2026