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

The US war with Iran, which began in late February 2026, is reshaping American alliances globally, shifting its strategic focus from Asia to the Middle East. This pivot has led to reduced military drills with South Korea and threats against allies like Oman, as reported by the BBC on August 17. South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung is now pushing to regain independent control of its military from the US and accelerate the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, stating, "A strong alliance makes the foundation of security stronger, and strengthening our own capabilities increases our value and necessity as an ally." This change in US policy, which has historically maintained a significant presence in Asia since the 19th century, could have long-term ramifications for global alliances, potentially leading other partners to re-evaluate their relationships with Washington.