Former Deputy US Secretary of State Wendy Sherman has argued that the ongoing Iran conflict has significantly weakened President Trump's ability to pressure China over Taiwan. In a recent analysis, Sherman stated, "If we try to take further control of Taiwan, how can you criticize?" Her remarks highlight a growing concern that US military entanglement in the Middle East limits Washington's diplomatic and strategic options in the Indo-Pacific.
The comments come amid heightened tensions over Taiwan, with Beijing asserting its territorial claims and Washington walking a fine line between support for Taipei and avoidance of direct confrontation with China. Sherman, a key architect of the Iran nuclear deal, suggested that the Iran war has consumed US resources and credibility, handing Beijing an advantage in cross-strait dynamics.
Observers note that the US now faces a dilemma: escalating commitments in Iran may reduce its capacity to counter Chinese moves near Taiwan. The situation underscores how conflicts in one region can reshape power balances globally.