Ankara: US President Donald Trump announced that he has ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly reduce the scale of planned joint military exercises with South Korea. The decision was attributed to the financial burden of the drills and Trump's diplomatic relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction on his Truth Social account, emphasizing that the longstanding agreement for joint military exercises between the US and South Korea sends an inappropriate and hostile message to North Korea. He highlighted that the United States bears a substantial portion of the costs associated with these drills.

Trump elaborated that the military exercises are not only financially burdensome but also counterproductive to the diplomatic rapport he has maintained with Kim Jong Un. He noted that North Korea has remained unthreatening and respectful during his presidency. Despite his disapproval, Trump acknowledged that it was too late to cancel the exercises outright, leading him to instruct a substantial reduction in their scope.

Further, Trump mentioned a recent interaction with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, in which he questioned Seoul's willingness to join Washington in efforts to denuclearize Iran. South Korea declined the proposal, responding with 'No thanks.'