Korea latest casualty of Trump’s misplaced frustration over mess in Iran, says US media outlet
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- South Korea has become a target of US President Donald Trump's pressure campaign against allies not supporting the Iran offensive, as the conflict proves difficult.
- Axios reported Trump's new policy: "cross him in one theater and the consequences will follow you into the next," suggesting his frustration over Iran is spilling into other alliances.
- The report highlighted South Korea as a surprising casualty in Trump's retribution campaign, noting the reduction of joint military exercises with North Korea as a basis.
South Korea finds itself the latest target in US President Donald Trump's campaign to pressure allies who have declined to support his offensive in Iran. As the protracted conflict struggles to achieve its objectives, Trump appears to be redirecting his frustration towards these nations.
cross him in one theater and the consequences will follow you into the next.
Axios characterized Trump's approach with a new rule for US partners: "cross him in one theater and the consequences will follow you into the next." The outlet suggested that after six months of military and economic efforts against Iran failed to yield desired results, Trump is now retaliating against allies who have not joined the war. The war in Iran has reportedly intensified Trump's existing tendencies to attack allies and their leaders.
South Korea, previously lauded as a model ally by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is now described by Axios as the "latest and most surprising casualty in Trump’s retribution campaign." This follows Trump's announcement to "substantially reduce" the joint South Korea-US military exercises, Ulchi Freedom Shield. Trump cited his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Seoul's refusal to help "denuclearize" Iran as reasons for this decision. Axios noted that these exercises have been a cornerstone of the US-South Korea deterrence architecture against North Korea for half a century.
latest and most surprising casualty in Trump’s retribution campaign.
Trump's subsequent remarks to reporters, stating the US "can’t go around and protect all of these countries, especially when they’re not there to help us," further indicate that scaling back drills with South Korea is a tactic tied to cooperation on the Iran war, rather than solely a gesture towards Pyongyang. This pressure tactic is not unique to South Korea; the Pentagon has reportedly sent loyalty questionnaires to NATO allies regarding their support for Trump's foreign policy and military base usage.
can’t go around and protect all of these countries, especially when they’re not there to help us.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Hankyoreh. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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