Trump says he’ll ‘remember’ Korea’s refusal to help with Iran war, hinting at pressure

US President Donald Trump has once again referenced South Korea's decision not to join the US in its military conflict with Iran. In a Fox News interview, Trump hinted at the possibility of seeking concessions from Seoul in areas such as trade or defense spending. He claimed that the US had received "very little help from other countries" while clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz, stating that they spent billions of dollars helping NATO and other nations.

Trump emphasized that allies who decline to assist Washington could be asked to provide something in return, suggesting that South Korea's refusal to support US military operations against Iran could lead to repercussions. He inflated the actual number of US troops in Korea, claiming there were 40,000 soldiers there when the real number is closer to 28,500.

Trump recounted a conversation where he asked Korea to support US military operations against Iran, to which they responded that they would rather not. This is not the first time Trump has expressed frustration with South Korea over its refusal to support his military campaign against Iran.