South Korean FM says Trump pressuring Seoul over Iran, investment

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated on Wednesday that the delay in the US$350 billion investment plan to the United States was influenced by factors such as commercial viability and legal procedures. In an interview, he suggested that the Trump administration's pressure on Seoul to back US efforts in the Iran war was a part of President Trump's broader agenda.

Cho mentioned that the US proposal to Seoul included several projects that could be considered for investment, but the South Korean government has yet to announce the specifics of the plan. He also noted that other unresolved issues, including those related to North Korea, were taken into account. The reduction in military drills and field training, announced alongside the investment plan, was also a result of the US President's directive to decrease US military participation.

South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, who was present during the hearing, indicated that Trump's decisions might bring about a new meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as the latter seemed to be positively influenced by the scale-back of military exercises that have long been a source of tension for Pyongyang.