The Washington Post reports sources say the Pentagon is evaluating whether to withdraw U.S. forces from the Persian Gulf. The report says major U.S. overseas bases have been struck by Iran for months and sustained significant damage, creating an opening for the Pentagon to reconsider its regional force posture.

Former President Trump told South Korean media he is frustrated Seoul refused to participate in a U.S. operation related to Iran and raised issues of defense cost-sharing. He said South Korea agreed during his first term to pay about $3 billion annually for U.S. protection; he sought $10 billion, and the short‑term deal was $3 billion with planned increases in subsequent years. Trump said President Biden later withdrew the $3 billion “for reasons I don’t know.” In a recent call with South Korean president Lee Jae‑myung, Trump said he asked if Seoul would “help a little” on Iran; Lee declined. Trump noted roughly 39,000 U.S. troops are deployed in South Korea and called Seoul’s refusal to assist in what he described as a “very easy” military action “strange.”

South Korea's Lee said maintaining peace is paramount, but the country must prepare for the worst.