Seoul in close consultation with U.S. over combined military exercises: security adviser

South Korea has been closely coordinating with the United States regarding their joint military exercises, according to National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. Wi made these remarks following President Donald Trump's decision to significantly reduce the joint exercises, which some viewed as an attempt to engage in dialogue with North Korea but which others feared could hinder South Korea's efforts to regain operational control of troops from the United States.

Wi emphasized that due to the robust South Korea-U.S. alliance, the government has been consistently communicating with the U.S. side about combined exercises and drills between the two nations. He also noted that Seoul is intensifying its efforts to enhance its own defense capabilities.

In a recent social media post, Trump apparently inquired whether South Korea would be interested in joining efforts to denuclearize Iran. However, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had reportedly declined the offer.

Wi pointed out that South Korea has been actively involved in international discussions to maintain freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and global non-proliferation efforts. The government has also been exploring practical ways to contribute to these initiatives, considering the country's defense situation on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures.

In terms of Iran's potential denuclearization, Wi expressed a heightened interest from South Korea, citing the nation's prior experience with North Korea's nuclear ambitions in violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.