What VN Vet writes makes perfect sense.

I have read long tome ago an article in either Telegraph or Spectator, claming that in the run up to Iraqi war Bush administration let Tony Blair know that if he had to go against us or remain neutral in Security Council vote because of public opinion at home, we would be cool with it. It was Condi who allegedly made this phone call to Whitehall.

The reason for this message was that at that time there was a danger of virulently antiñwar Gordon Brown unseating Blair for leadership of Labour Party, and we badly need Britain in the Phase II of war: the Iran. The article said that Iran will be probably tackled from inside, and as Brits have a good humint network in place there, as opposed to us ñ ours is/was nonexistent – the British support and participation will be critical.