US President Donald Trump on Sunday said South Korea had declined his request to join the United States in efforts to denuclearise Iran, prompting him to instruct the Pentagon to substantially reduce the scale of annual joint military exercises with Seoul.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had recently asked the South Korean president whether Seoul wanted to participate in the US effort for the “Denuclearisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran”. According to Trump, South Korea responded, “No thanks!”

Trump Links Iran Request To Military Drills

Trump said South Korea’s response was among the reasons behind his decision to order a significant reduction in joint military exercises between the two countries.

He said it was too late to cancel the upcoming exercises entirely, with the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills scheduled to take place from August 17 to 27.

Trump said he had instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to “substantially reduce” the joint military exercises, while acknowledging that US participation in the drills had been agreed upon well in advance.

The annual exercises are a major component of military cooperation between Washington and Seoul and are designed to strengthen the allies’ preparedness.

Trump Cites Relationship With Kim Jong Un

Trump also referred to his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un while explaining his opposition to the scale of the exercises.

He described the military drills as costly and argued that they sent an “inappropriate and hostile” signal to North Korea.

Trump said North Korea had remained “unthreatening and respectful” during his presidency, linking his position on the exercises to his broader engagement with Pyongyang.

His remarks indicate that Washington’s military posture on the Korean Peninsula could be influenced by Trump’s assessment of relations with North Korea as well as wider US foreign policy priorities.

US Seeks Support For Iran Pressure Campaign

Trump’s comments come amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran and Washington’s efforts to rally international partners behind its campaign to pressure Tehran over its nuclear programme.

The US President’s claim that Seoul declined to participate in the Iran denuclearisation effort also comes as Washington continues to seek international support for its approach towards Tehran.

Trump’s decision to reduce the joint exercises with South Korea adds another dimension to US relations with its key Asian ally, with the latest drills still scheduled to proceed from August 17 to 27.

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