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Trump's Iran war is reshaping US alliances from South Korea to the Middle East - analysis

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • US President Trump's decision to bomb Iran and subsequent policy shifts are reshaping global alliances, impacting countries from South Korea to the Middle East.
  • The US is reducing its military role in Asia, pivoting focus to the Strait of Hormuz, and has threatened allies like Oman for not aligning with its Iran policy.
  • These actions are causing allies to question US reliability, prompting nations like South Korea to push for greater military autonomy.

US President Donald Trump's aggressive stance on Iran, including the decision to bomb the country in February 2026, is creating a ripple effect that is reshaping international alliances. The US is significantly altering its global posture, reducing its military presence in the Pacific and Asia to pivot its focus towards the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East.

Trump threatens to bomb US ally Oman, if it ‘gets in the way’ over Iran deal

— BBC headlineReflecting changing US policy and its impact on global alliances.

This strategic shift has led to friction with traditional allies. The US has criticized European partners and countries like South Korea for not fully supporting its Iran policy. Threats issued to Oman, a US partner, demonstrate the White House's willingness to pressure friends and allies over Iran. These actions are causing concern among US partners, who may perceive the US as an increasingly erratic and unreliable ally.

Trump says to reduce military drills with South Korea after it stayed out of Iran war

— BBC headlineHighlighting the consequences of South Korea's stance on the Iran war for US military cooperation.

South Korea, for instance, is reassessing its security relationship with the US. Following Trump's order to cut joint military drills, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has renewed efforts to regain independent control of the military in the event of war and accelerate the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. Lee emphasized that Seoul should proceed with the planned transfer of wartime operational control (Opcon) from the US, stating, "A strong alliance makes the foundation of security stronger, and strengthening our own capabilities increases our value and necessity as an ally."

The US has slammed European allies and allies such as South Korea. Threats to Oman show that the White House is willing to threaten partners and friends of the US.

— Seth J. FrantzmanAnalyzing the impact of US policy on its allies.

The US strategy's focus on the Strait of Hormuz and its willingness to threaten partners like Oman signal a departure from decades of established security ties. The long-term ramifications of these decisions are uncertain, but they are prompting allies to consider their own capabilities and relationships in a changing global order. The US's actions, including the extensive use of munitions in the war on Iran, are leading allies in Europe and Asia to question the consistency and dependability of Washington's commitments.

South Korea’s president ⁠has renewed his push to regain independent control of the military from the US in the event of war and urged faster progress in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines after Donald Trump’s order to cut joint drills.

— The GuardianReporting on South Korea's reaction to the US decision on military drills.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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