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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Trump says he will ‘remember’ South Korea’s refusal to help in Iran war, hinting at pressure

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • President Donald Trump criticized South Korea for declining to assist the United States in its military operation against Iran.
  • He said Washington could seek something in return from allies that receive U.S. support but do not assist the United States.
  • Trump cited the presence of U.S. troops in South Korea and again claimed Seoul had refused his request for help.

President Donald Trump has again highlighted South Korea’s refusal to support the U.S. military campaign against Iran, saying, “I think you have to remember that stuff.” The remark suggested that Washington could seek concessions from Seoul in trade or defense spending.

I think you have to remember that stuff. I really do.

— Donald TrumpTrump referred to South Korea’s refusal to support the U.S. operation against Iran.

In a Fox News interview, Trump said the United States had received little help from other countries while clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that countries receiving billions of dollars in U.S. assistance could be asked to provide something in return when they declined to support Washington’s military operations.

Trump singled out South Korea and said, “They want our help. We have 40,000 soldiers over there.” The actual number of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea is closer to 28,500.

They want our help. We have 40,000 soldiers over there.

— Donald TrumpHe cited the U.S. military presence in South Korea while criticizing Seoul.

He then recounted asking Seoul to assist the U.S. operation against Iran. According to Trump, South Korea responded that it would rather not help. He also made a similar complaint on Aug. 16, saying Seoul had rejected his request for assistance.

Do you mind giving us a little hand with Iran? The Islamic Republic of Iran?

— Donald TrumpTrump described the request he said he made to South Korea.
About this summary

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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