Final Word from Monday, March 2, 2026

Despite the similarities between Donald Trump's justification for his "major combat operations" in Iran and Vladimir Putin's for his "special military operation" in Ukraine, the Czech government stands "clearly" behind the U.S. and Israel in their attack on Iran. Somewhat surprisingly, it was Vice PM Karel Havlíček who became the biggest war hawk in the Babiš government yesterday by declaring categoric support for the combat operations and stating, "To tell the truth, I don't understand some of the commentators or countries that are talking now about the extent to which it is legal or legitimate and are now quibbling over words. It is necessary; it is essential." Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that Havlíček meets nearly once a week with U.S. Amb. Nicholas Merrick and that Merrick will be traveling with him to the U.S. in two weeks. Pres. Petr Pavel is of course much more circumspect toward Trump, and the developing Middle East war is a case in which his approach might very well serve Czechs better. [ Czech CNN Prima News TV United States ANO ]