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UK minister says Trump speaks for himself on his deadline for Iran

AL-Monitor
Mar 22, 2026
British Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed looks on, as he speaks to the press, on the first day of Britain's Labour Party's annual conference, in Liverpool, Britain, September 28, 2025. REUTERS/Phil Noble
British Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed looks on, as he speaks to the press, on the first day of Britain's Labour Party's annual conference, in Liverpool, Britain, September 28, 2025. REUTERS/Phil Noble — Phil Noble

LONDON, March 22 (Reuters) - British cabinet minister Steve Reed said on Sunday that U.S. President Trump spoke for himself when he threatened to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if Tehran did not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

Asked what Britain's position on Trump's deadline was, Housing Secretary Reed told Sky News: "The U.S. president is perfectly capable of speaking for himself and defending what it is that he's saying."

"We're not going to be dragged into the war, but we will protect our own interests in the region. We will work with our allies to de-escalate the situation."

(Reporting by Andy Bruce; Editing by Michael Perry)