Trump cuts joint drills and notes Seoul's Iran help rejection

U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the reduction of joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, indicating that he ordered a significant cut in these drills due to his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. He believed that the exercises cost the United States a lot of money and sent a hostile signal to Pyongyang. He explained that continuing them was not feasible due to time constraints and that the step was taken ahead of the annual "Ulchi Freedom Shield" drills, which involve about 18,000 South Korean troops. North Korea considers these exercises preparations for a war against it, despite Washington and Seoul emphasizing their defensive nature. Trump also mentioned that he asked South Korea to join efforts to denuclearize Iran, but Seoul refused, reflecting his previous stance aimed at reducing tension by scaling back military drills with South Korea.

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