Trump hints at N Korea contact amid tensions with Seoul

US President Donald Trump has suggested that Kim Jong Un has responded to his recent attempts to engage, following his reduction of joint military exercises with South Korea and his positive remarks about his relationship with the North Korean leader. During his tenure in the White House, Trump met with Kim three times, although he has not had direct contact with the leader since taking office again.

While commending Kim's leadership, Trump criticized South Korea for not aiding the US in its war against Iran, stating that the country's reluctance to participate in the conflict is perplexing. When questioned about Kim's lack of response, Trump claimed he had indeed communicated with the North Korean leader. Trump reiterated his positive assessment of the ties between the two leaders, emphasizing that they have contributed to a safer situation.

He also defended his decision to scale back the military drills, citing South Korea's failure to cooperate in the war against Iran. South Korean officials maintained that the exercises were conducted as planned and aimed at safeguarding the safety and peaceful lives of their citizens. North Korea has not issued a public response to the US actions, but has historically expressed discontent with the joint military drills.

The US Senate's top Democrat on military affairs expressed concern over Trump's decision, accusing China and Russia of observing the ease with which the president is abandoning allies. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, designed to prepare for a potential war with North Korea, continued despite Trump's order to reduce the drills.