Labor is copping the blame for the US ‘excursion’ in Iran. Can they get Trump out of the driver’s seat? | Peter Lewis

Just as many people are ready to blame the government for its spending as they do global inflationary headwinds, making reform difficult for Albanese Guardian Essential poll: only a quarter of Australians approve of US-Israel war on Iran Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Australians watching fuel prices skyrocket and interest rates surge in the wake of Donald Trump’s “excursion” into Iran are starting to wonder if this is a trip we really want to be on. Having been all-in on an Aukus treaty that pinkie-promises to deliver long-term national security, the Albanese government has taken on the demeanour of a reluctant passenger gripping the seat with white knuckles as the whacked-out driver takes the corners at speed. While the prime minister was quick to endorse one of the president’s initial (and highly contested) objectives in destroying Iran’s nuclear capability, he has since been reluctant to commit further to this magical mystery tour. According to this week’s Guardian Essential report, that reticence is reflective of the national mood, with just a quarter of Australians saying they support the US and Israeli strikes. These findings are hard