South Korea says joint drills are on despite Trump objections

International relationsUS president's move to cut back exercises seen as pressuring Seoul on tradeU.S. soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division and South Korean soldiers participate in a river crossing exercise as part of last year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise in Yeoju-gun, South Korea. © Getty ImagesKIM JAEWONAugust

Trump seeks cuts to US-South Korea drills, reviving earlier objections  Reuters

US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to scale back planned joint military exercises with South Korea, saying it declined to help denuclearise Iran and citing his good relationship with North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

President Donald Trump said he’s told the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea, indicating his shift was driven by frustration the longtime US ally hadn’t provided more support for his war with Iran.

North Korea on Friday condemned an upcoming major U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise, calling it a war rehearsal and warning to respond with "overwhelming force."