A recent article in the U.S. magazine *1945*, authored by defense analyst Brent Eastwood, warns that the United States could become entangled in armed conflicts with five nations—China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, and North Korea—by 2026. The analysis suggests that despite President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts during his second term to reduce global tensions, escalating geopolitical frictions may still push Washington toward multiple confrontations.

Eastwood highlights several flashpoints: potential Chinese aggression toward Taiwan, ongoing Russian operations in Ukraine, and rising tensions in the Caribbean linked to U.S. anti-narcotics missions near Venezuela. The report also notes that U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and North Korea’s continued hostility toward South Korea could trigger proxy or direct wars. Experts caution that even limited military incidents could spiral into broader conflicts.

While the Trump administration emphasizes peace deals and ceasefire diplomacy, analysts warn that the global security environment remains volatile. The coming year may test Washington’s ability to balance deterrence with restraint across multiple theaters of potential conflict.