The war between the United States and Iran remained the dominant topic in the international press this week, with media across the world approaching the issue from markedly different perspectives.
The American press focuses on the constitutionality of the involvement, warning that continuing beyond 60 days would render it clearly unlawful. Israeli media analyse the diplomatic deadlock, in which neither side acknowledges defeat. German coverage highlights a new German-American convergence within NATO, while Pakistani commentary critically examines Islamabad’s role as a mediator. Russian outlets attribute the withdrawal of the United Arab Emirates from OPEC to the war.
Beyond the Iranian front, British media explore the decline of Western soft power in China, French outlets the collapse of Russia’s presence in Mali, Kurdish media Syria’s call for the concentration of military authority in Iraq and Lebanon, Chinese commentary US “predatory hegemony”, and Ukrainian analysis the strategic consequences of a potential surrender of Donetsk.
Western press
In an article titled “By the end of the week, Trump’s war will be clearly illegal”, published in The New York Times on 27 April, Erwin Chemerinsky argues that US military involvement in Iran seriously violates the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973.
Under the law, the president must withdraw US forces after 60 days without congressional approval. The war began on 28 February 2026, with the clock formally starting on 2 March when Donald Trump notified Congress. Without authorisation, continuation beyond the 60-day deadline would be unlawful.
Chemerinsky criticises federal courts for their historical reluctance to enforce the law, citing the “political question” doctrine, and argues this undermines constitutional checks and balances. He references historical precedents — from the Quasi-War with France to the Civil War-era Prize Cases — to show courts have long had jurisdiction over war powers, concluding they should compel presidential compliance.
In The Times, Cindy Yu examines the decline in Chinese students choosing to study in the West. According to Chinese Ministry of Education data, 570,600 students studied abroad in 2024, down 20% from 2019, with English-speaking countries hardest hit.
She attributes this to both dissatisfaction with high living costs, perceived crime and political instability in the West, and rising confidence in China, where domestic universities and employers now place less value on Western degrees. She warns that the erosion of this “soft power” could prove costly for Britain and the West.
In Le Monde, Marie Jégo and Morgane Le Cam describe the collapse of the Russia–Mali military partnership amid a major jihadist offensive. Tuareg rebels retook Kidal, previously held by Wagner forces, while hundreds of paramilitaries were evacuated and Malian troops captured.
They also report a striking proposal by a jihadist group linked to al-Qaeda offering cooperation in exchange for Russian withdrawal. The killing of Mali’s defence minister further weakened the junta, raising doubts about Russia’s broader ambitions in the Sahel.
In Die Welt, Stefanie Bolzen analyses shifting power dynamics within NATO, highlighting US praise for Germany’s increased defence spending and new military strategy. By contrast, Spain and the UK face criticism from Washington, signalling a reordering of alliances.
Middle East press
In Rudaw, reporting focuses on Syria’s call for Iraq and Lebanon to deploy state forces along their borders to curb paramilitary activity.
In Israel Hayom, Danny Citrinowicz describes a post-operation stalemate, with both Washington and Tehran convinced of victory. Iran has adapted to the naval blockade, while the US faces frustration over its limited impact.
Tehran has proposed lifting the blockade in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, leaving the White House to choose between escalation, compromise or maintaining the status quo.
Asian press
In Dawn, Arifa Noor offers a critical view of Pakistan’s mediating role, highlighting contradictions between international recognition and domestic repression, including arrests, lockdowns and economic pressures.
In People's Daily, US foreign policy is analysed through the concept of “predatory hegemony”, as outlined by Stephen Walt. The article argues the US is shifting from rule-maker to rule-breaker, driven by declining global economic dominance.
Russia and Ukraine press
In Izvestia, analysts link the UAE’s exit from OPEC to long-standing tensions with Saudi Arabia, accelerated by the Iran war. The move could reshape global oil markets, though its full impact will emerge later.
Meanwhile, the Kyiv Independent reports that any unilateral withdrawal from the Donetsk region would amount to “strategic and military suicide” for Ukraine.
The article argues that abandoning fortified positions would expose further regions and favour Russian advances, whereas continued defence imposes heavy costs on Russian forces and remains central to Ukraine’s long-term strategy.
CNA