{
  "id": 1848287,
  "title": "Trump's Iran war is reshaping US alliances from South Korea to the Middle East - analysis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/trumps-iran-war-is-reshaping-us-alliances-from-south-korea-to-the",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T02:30:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/international/article-905944"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On August 17, the BBC's homepage featured two significant headlines that indicate shifting US policy and its global impact. The first headline read \"Trump threatens to bomb US ally Oman, if it gets in the way over Iran deal,\" while the second headline stated \"Trump says to reduce military drills with South Korea after it stayed out of Iran war.\"\n\nThese headlines demonstrate how the US policy has ramifications beyond its immediate sphere, creating a ripple effect worldwide. After a bombshell decision to bomb Iran in February 2026, the US is now shifting its focus from Asia and the Pacific to the Middle East. This change in strategy comes after a decade and a half of prioritizing China and Asia.\n\nThis pivot in US policy towards the Middle East has led to a cooling of relations with European allies and partners such as South Korea. The White House has made it clear that threats towards allies like Oman, with whom the US has a close relationship, are not out of the question. This unpredictable behavior may have long-lasting implications for US partnerships both in Europe and across Asia.\n\nThe Guardian in the UK highlighted that South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged for faster progress in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, as well as regaining independent control of the military from the US in the event of war. This renewed push for independence might be a direct response to the US reducing its involvement in the region.\n\nThis shift in US policy towards the Middle East is not a new development in US-Asia relations. For over 170 years, the US has maintained a strategic interest in Asia and the Pacific, dating back to the mid-1850s. The first major turning point was the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry in Tokyo Bay in 1853, seeking to persuade Japan to open its ports to international trade. The Treaty of Kanagawa paved the way for America's sustained involvement in East Asia and Japan's modernization.\n\nAfter Perry's visit, Japan modernized its military and later defeated the Russian navy at the Battle of Tsushima. However, this modernization also led to Japan's involvement in World War II, where it attacked the US in 1941, ultimately leading to the US entering the war.\n\nThe US also played a crucial role in the Cold War, shifting its focus from commerce to containment. This policy culminated in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, where thousands of American soldiers fought. The decision by the US to engage in these conflicts had long-lasting effects, ultimately shaping the global balance of power.\n\nPresident Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972 marked another significant moment in US-Asia relations. This visit altered the global balance of power by opening relations with China, transforming it from an isolated revolutionary state into a powerful player in the international system. The US pursued a policy called \"Hide your strength, bide your time\" during this time, which led to China's eventual increase in assertiveness under leaders like Deng Xiaoping.",
  "summary": "The US has slammed European allies and allies such as South Korea. Threats to Oman show that the White House is willing to threaten partners and friends of the US.",
  "key_points": [
    "Trump threatens military action against Oman over Iran deal",
    "US shifts focus from Asia-Pacific to Middle East after Iran war",
    "South Korea seeks nuclear submarines, military independence"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Trump administration's pivot to the Middle East is reshaping US alliances, cooling relations with European and Asian partners like South Korea, and potentially prompting them to reassert their independence.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ynetnews",
        "title": "Report: US weighs shrinking military footprint in Middle East after Iran batters bases",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/report-us-weighs-shrinking-military-footprint-in-middle-east-after",
        "published": "2026-08-18T16:36:23.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Why is Trump threatening to bomb Oman, the Iran mediator trying to clear Hormuz?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/why-is-trump-threatening-to-bomb-oman-the-iran-mediator-trying-to",
        "published": "2026-08-19T02:37:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}