Trump Will Make South Korea Pay for His Iran Humiliation
The article argues that President Trump is reducing military cooperation with South Korea as a retaliatory measure for their refusal to assist in his conflict with Iran. It suggests this move undermines U.S. alliances and reflects irrational policy-making driven by personal grievances.
Why it matters
This shift in military policy could destabilize the Korean Peninsula and weaken the long-standing U.S.-South Korea security alliance.
His rage is driving him to make irrational policy choices.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AP August 16, 2026, 10:23 PM ET Share Save Last winter, Donald Trump plunged recklessly into war with Iran. The United States is now losing that conflict. Iran remains defiant, much of the world economy is more threatened now than it was six months ago, U.S. military resources are overextended, and munition stores are dangerously depleted. Trump and the United States have suffered one embarrassment after another; last week, he had to sneak away from the region on a backup plane because of a possible assassination threat from Tehran.
And so the president of the United States has taken the logical next step: He is punishing South Korea, a loyal American friend, and tempting U.S. enemies to doubt America’s will to defend its allies.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in