US President Donald Trump has said South Korea rejected his request to join the United States in efforts to denuclearise Iran. He also said he had instructed the Pentagon to substantially reduce annual joint military exercises with Seoul.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump said he recently asked South Korean President whether Seoul wanted to join the US in the “Denuclearisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran”. According to Trump, South Korea replied, “No thanks!”
Trump linked Seoul’s decision to his order to reduce the military exercises. He said it was too late to cancel the drills completely, but instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to “substantially reduce” the US participation.
Why did Trump order a reduction in US-South Korea military drills?
The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises are scheduled to take place from August 17 to August 27. Trump said the drills are costly and send an “inappropriate and hostile” message to North Korea.
He also pointed to his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump said North Korea had remained “unthreatening and respectful” during his presidency, raising questions about Washington’s approach to military exercises on the Korean Peninsula.
What does this mean for US-South Korea ties?
Trump acknowledged that the decision to participate in the exercises had been agreed long ago. However, his latest remarks indicate that he wants a significant reduction in the scale of the drills.
The US and South Korea have long conducted joint military exercises as part of their defence cooperation and as a deterrent against North Korea. Any reduction could therefore attract attention in Seoul and Pyongyang.
Why did Trump ask South Korea to join efforts against Iran?
Trump’s remarks come as the US and Israel remain involved in an ongoing conflict with Iran. Washington has also been trying to rally international partners behind its campaign to pressure Tehran over its nuclear programme.
South Korea’s reported refusal to join the US effort, followed by Trump’s decision to reduce joint military exercises, adds a new layer to Washington-Seoul relations at a time of growing tensions in West Asia.
