South Korea says US cut joint marine drill over Iran war constraints

South Korea announced on Monday that the United States had cancelled a significant joint amphibious landing drill, set to occur next month, due to limitations in force availability resulting from the ongoing war with Iran. Known as the biennial Ssangyong drills, these exercises bring together marine forces from both nations and aim to enhance collaborative operations, typically including warships, aircraft, and ground forces practicing amphibious landings.

The decision to cancel came after US President Donald Trump directed a reduction in the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, reducing the joint drills from 11 days to five. Trump's decision was based on the high cost of the exercises and the perception that they sent an "inappropriate and hostile" message to North Korea, despite his positive relationship with its leader, Kim Jong-un.

Han Seung-jeon, a spokesperson for the South Korean Marine Corps, informed reporters that the US Marine Corps had formally notified them in June of the constraints it faced in deploying forces during this year's Ssangyong exercise due to the Middle Eastern situation. While Seoul and Washington are still discussing the possibility of resuming the amphibious drill, the Pentagon has yet to respond to inquiries regarding Seoul's announcement.