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Trump cites ties with Kim as South Korea said no to Iran war
Published : Monday, 17 August, 2026 at 1:16 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his strong relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Seoul's refusal to join US operations against Iran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized the annual military exercises as overly expensive for Washington and counterproductive to diplomacy. Report by BBC.
"These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual!), but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile," Trump wrote.
Trump also expressed frustration over South Korea's decision to stay out of recent US military actions targeting Iran's denuclearization, stating he asked Seoul to join the effort but was turned down.
South Korea's presidential Blue House stated it is reviewing Trump's comments. Seoul expressed hope that positive communication between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks, while adding it will continue diplomatic discussions with the US regarding joint drills and maritime cooperation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The announcement came just before the start of the 11-day annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which were scheduled to involve around 18,000 South Korean troops alongside US forces.
Diplomatic and security experts warned that scaling back the joint drills could undermine military readiness, weaken regional deterrence, and yield minimal cost savings.
Trump previously suspended joint military exercises with South Korea in 2018 during denuclearization talks with Kim Jong Un, calling the drills provocative and expensive.
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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