The "special relationship" between the U.S. and the UK may no longer be special anymore, according to author David Gergen. Gergen attended the Munich Security Conference by the Thames, which included many senior foreign, defense and security officials from the UK, Europe, and Japan. The conference was a sub-theme of readiness for the Russian military threat and Vladimir Putin's appetite for further aggression against the West after the Ukraine war ended. Despite America’s overwhelming military power destroying Iran’�s localized air force, navy, and missiles, strategic control of the Strait Hormuz was a key factor. The only American representative from the White House attended was a Commerce Department assistant secretary, who spoke favorably of the “special relationship.” Gergen also highlighted the importance of the Joint Expeditionary Force, which includes both Baltic and high north countries independent of NATO but with a strong working relationship.