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

The US is reshaping its global alliances due to its war with Iran, threatening to bomb Oman and reducing military drills with South Korea. The US and Israel bombed Iran in late February 2026, and the US is pivoting from Asia to the Middle East. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung renewed his push for independent military control and nuclear-powered submarines. The analysis reviews US policy in Asia since 1853, suggesting current shifts could have long-term ramifications for US alliances.

The US, under President Donald Trump, is reshaping its global alliances as a result of its war with Iran, according to an analysis in The Jerusalem Post. The article cites two BBC headlines from August 17: a US threat to bomb Oman if it interferes with the Iran deal, and a US decision to reduce military drills with South Korea after it stayed out of the conflict. The US and Israel bombed Iran in late February 2026. The analysis argues the US is pivoting from Asia to the Middle East, potentially making allies view Washington as erratic. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has renewed his push to regain wartime operational control of South Korean forces from the US and to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. The article provides historical context of US involvement in Asia since 1853, including Commodore Perry's mission to Japan, the Cold War, and Nixon's 1972 visit to China, suggesting current policy shifts could have long-term ramifications for US alliances.