Trump orders Pentagon to cut back military exercises with South Korea

On Sunday, President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to significantly reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the high costs and Seoul's refusal to participate in actions against Iran. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, involving around 18,000 South Korean military personnel, were set to run until August 27.

Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the US agreeing to participate in the drills, stating they send an inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea, which has been unthreatening and respectful during his presidency. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the drills began as scheduled. The South Korean presidential Blue House expressed hopes that improved relations between the US and North Korean leaders would lead to meaningful dialogue and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The allies would continue coordinating on defense posture and military exercises. Trump claimed that South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had refused to join US efforts to denuclearize Iran, but Seoul is now discussing potential military contributions while considering domestic legal procedures.