Trump Again Voices Blunt Complaint at South Korea: ‘We’ll Remember’ Its Refusal to Support Iran War

Donald Trump has again singled out South Korea over its refusal to support U.S. military operations against Iran, saying the decision should be remembered.

In an interview released by Fox News, Trump said the United States had received very little help from other countries while clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz. He complained that Washington spends billions of dollars helping NATO members and other countries, including South Korea, while those countries do not necessarily act for the United States when asked.

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You cannot help them like a fool when they are not willing to step up for you.

“You cannot help them like a fool when they are not willing to step up for you,” Trump said, adding that the United States could instead make a great deal of money. His remarks suggested that countries receiving U.S. support could face demands for something in return.

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They want our help.

Trump then used South Korea as an example. He said, “They want our help,” and claimed that 40,000 U.S. troops are stationed there. The article puts the actual number of U.S. troops in South Korea at about 28,500.

Trump said he had asked South Korea whether it could provide some assistance with the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to his account, South Korea replied, “We’d rather not.” He added, “We have to remember that. I really think so.” Trump made a similar complaint on August 16 and has raised the issue several times since, arguing that South Korea imports substantial energy through the Strait of Hormuz but did not participate in the U.S. operation.

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We’d rather not.

His repeated references to the refusal have prompted concern that South Korea’s nonparticipation could become leverage in future discussions over trade or defense costs between the allies.

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We have to remember that. I really think so.