As airstrikes are exchanged with Iran once again and trade conflicts intensify with Canada, one of its largest trading partners, the Trump administration is demanding a greater role from its allies. In contrast, it appears to emphasize the need for dialogue and engagement toward Russia, which invaded Ukraine, and China, its strategic competitor.

Asked whether the resumption of airstrikes against Iran marks a return to all-out war, U.S. President Donald Trump drew a line, calling them "very limited." Regarding the possibility of using nuclear weapons, he stated that Iran has already been "completely defeated militarily" and asked, "Do we have to use nuclear weapons on top of that?"

However, the actual level of conflict between the U.S. and Iran is rising again. The two sides recently exchanged direct attacks for the first time in a month, and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, warned the U.S. that it would "feel the price with every fiber of its being." The U.S. has also simultaneously deployed additional airstrikes and financial sanctions as pressure tools.

Amid this situation, the U.S. is demanding a greater role from its allies.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, "Many allies have stepped up and said, 'We'll do whatever is needed,'" adding, "The more our allies help us, the more helpful it is to this conflict as well."

President Trump also dismissed concerns that a protracted war with Iran could weaken U.S. military capabilities to respond to threats in other regions, stating, "We have a tremendous amount of ammunition and military supplies all over the world, and we can take and use them whenever needed."

He then directly brought up the issue of support from allies. Citing South Korea as an example, President Trump claimed that while the U.S. helps South Korea, when he asked for assistance on the Iran issue, he received a "no thank you" response. He continued, "I thought to myself, I'm going to remember this," and added, "If they are not willing to step up for you, you cannot continue to help them like a fool."

Relations are also turning rough with Canada, one of America's closest allies.

Following the breakdown of trade negotiations on August 21, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney argued that under the terms proposed by the U.S., Canada's core industries would effectively become subsidiaries of U.S. industries or gradually disappear from Canada. He launched a direct criticism, saying, "The U.S. side needs to stop making memes, stop mocking, stop acting tough, and seriously engage in negotiations."

On the other hand, a different approach is being shown toward Russia.

The U.S. invited Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to the G20 Finance Ministers' Meeting held in Asheville, North Carolina. This marks the first time a Russian finance minister has directly attended a G20 finance meeting since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In response, European nations expressed displeasure, viewing it as a signal normalizing relations with Russia.

Polish Finance Minister Andrzej Domanski warned, "Do not trust Russia. They lie constantly," and added, "We must never forget that Russia is an aggressor nation."

However, when asked about the reason for inviting Russia to the G20, President Trump said, "We like getting along with everyone," adding, "One of the reasons I'm so successful is because I get along with everyone."

Secretary Bessent also emphasized the need for contact with Russia, asking, "If both sides of Russia and Ukraine do not talk and we do not engage, how on earth can this be resolved?" Acknowledging the displeasure of some European countries, he stated, "If the two combatant parties retreat into their respective corners, this terrible conflict will never be resolved."

The message toward China was also cautious.

Secretary Bessent stated that "on the Iran issue, we have more in common with China than differences," noting that China also opposes Iran possessing nuclear weapons and agrees that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open.

However, when asked whether China had promised concrete support to resolve the Strait of Hormuz issue, he drew a line, saying, "I am not saying there was a specific agreement."

On trade issues as well, Secretary Bessent stated that the U.S. "does not want a complete decoupling from China." He emphasized that what is needed in relations with China is not decoupling, meaning a complete separation, but "derisking."

While simultaneously intensifying military and economic pressure on Iran and demanding that allies such as Canada and South Korea more actively assist the U.S., the administration appears to place greater weight on dialogue and engagement rather than severing ties with Russia and China.

As the Trump administration simultaneously wages two fronts—the war in Iran and trade conflicts—its contrasting approaches toward allies and competitors are becoming even more pronounced.

(Produced by JIN Sang-myeong | Video by Ryu Ji-su | Produced by SBS Digital News)