Trump torches allies as Iran exposes limits of hard power

President Trump has established a new rule for American partners: any transgression in one area will have repercussions in other areas. His two-term presidency has seen a pattern of berating U.S. allies, humiliating their leaders and using security relationships to settle personal and political grievances. The Iran conflict has only amplified these tendencies: Trump is growing increasingly frustrated with allies that refrained from involvement in the war and is retaliating against them as he strives to bring the conflict to an end.

A notable example is South Korea, recently praised by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as a "model ally." Trump recently ordered the Pentagon to significantly reduce Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which have long been a cornerstone of the deterrence framework between Washington and Seoul against North Korea's nuclear arsenal. The South Korean government declined to join the United States in Iran's denuclearization efforts, citing lack of interest.

Trump stated that America cannot protect all countries, particularly when they fail to reciprocate. The Trump administration is now conducting a survey to assess the loyalty of NATO allies to its foreign policy, inquiring about support for U.S. operations and military access to weapons purchases. This systematic pressure campaign has taken on a more systematic form, particularly after Europe bore the brunt of Trump's assault on American alliances during the Iran war.