US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to reduce the scale of the annual joint military exercises with South Korea, accusing the Asian ally of refusing to support the US in its war against Iran.
Trump, in a post on social media on Sunday, said the exercises, which started on Monday, were costly and sent what he described as an inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea.
He also pointed to his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying Pyongyang had remained “unthreatening and respectful” towards his administration.
“Therefore, and based on the fact that it is too late to cancel, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to substantially reduce the Joint Military Exercises!” Trump said.
The US President said he had recently asked South Korean President whether the country would join the United States in the “denuclearisation” of Iran, but that Seoul declined.
Trump quoted the response as: “No thanks!”
The decision marks the latest sign of growing tension between Trump and some of Washington’s traditional allies, particularly over their level of support for his military campaign against Iran.
Trump and members of his administration have also criticised NATO allies over what they consider insufficient support for the US war effort, even as Western countries face growing security concerns over Russia’s activities in the Baltic region.
The move also represents a significant shift in Washington’s recent approach to South Korea, which the Trump administration had continued to regard as an important military partner in countering threats from North Korea.
