War: We’re not obliged to do whatever US says – UK

World News War: We’re not obliged to do whatever US says – UK Published on March 16, 2026 By John Owen Nwachukwu googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); UK Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden, has characterized US President Donald Trump as a “very transactional” leader, emphasizing that Trump’s ongoing demands regarding Iran should be interpreted within this framework. McFadden, a prominent minister in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet, made this statement in a notably candid UK evaluation of bilateral relations. When questioned about the US president’s threats of potential retaliation against allies who fail to provide ships to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, McFadden remarked that the UK is not obligated to fulfill every request from the US. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); Following Trump’s renewed criticism of the UK for allegedly lacking enthusiasm in supporting the US-Israeli efforts against Iran, McFadden highlighted the necessity of distinguishing between the US president’s “rhetoric” and the more significant matters at hand. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Trump expressed his continued dissatisfaction with the UK for not dispatching ships to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route that has been nearly shut down due to Iranian retaliatory actions. “It is only fitting that those who benefit from the strait contribute to ensuring that no adverse events occur there,” Trump stated. “Should there be no response or a negative one, I believe it would be detrimental to the future of NATO.” When asked if he thought Trump might lessen support for NATO if other members did not comply with his demands regarding Iran, McFadden responded to Sky News: “Well, that encapsulates the president perfectly. The quote you just provided summarizes him well. “It is a presidency defined by transactions, and our responsibility is to navigate this situation, always keeping in mind that the bond between the United States and the United Kingdom is profoundly rooted. It is a strong relationship, one that is enduring, and I believe it will persist beyond the individual personalities involved.” Instead of sending ships, the UK is currently formulating plans to deploy minesweeping drones to the Strait of Hormuz, amid fears that acquiescing to Trump’s request could exacerbate the crisis. In response to further inquiries, McFadden stated, “The truthful response is – these matters will be deliberated between the prime minister and the president, and I am unable to provide you with a list of equipment that we would dispatch at this time. However, the broader stance we have adopted in the conflict, as I mentioned, is that we have not aimed to be a protagonist in this.” Earlier, while speaking to Times Radio, McFadden remarked: “There is always a significant amount of rhetoric in this presidency. Beneath that, there exists a strong and close relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. I am confident that this will persist. We communicate with each other constantly. “Nevertheless, this does not imply that we will invariably support every intervention and every action that the United States decides to undertake.” Don't Miss We’lI not be drawn into wider war with Iran – UK tells Trump You may like We’lI not be drawn into wider war with Iran – UK tells Trump War: Indian airlines cancel all Dubai flights after deadly drone strike War: Not acceptable to attack France – Macron warns Iranian President Nigerian govt alleges plot by mining firm to tarnish Tinubu’s state visit to UK War: ‘They’re really good’ – Trump names battles Iran is winning War: Ukraine slams Iran after threat over drone support

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/16/war-were-not-obliged-to-do-whatever-us-says-uk/