Trump says US to reduce military drills with South Korea after it stayed out of Iran war
President Donald Trump announced a reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to join US efforts regarding Iran. The decision comes amid ongoing tensions following North Korean missile tests.
Why it matters
Changes to US-South Korea military cooperation impact regional security dynamics and the geopolitical balance in East Asia.
Image source, Getty Images By Brandon Drenon , Reporting from Washington DC and Jake Kwon , Seoul correspondent Published 16 August 2026 Updated 5 hours ago President Donald Trump has said the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un.
He also noted on Truth Social that South Korea had recently declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran.
"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 posted.
Seoul said it was reviewing Trump's comments, adding it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks. Pyongyang has not yet commented.
Earlier, South Korea said the drills with the US would proceed "as scheduled".
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