President Trump has directed the Pentagon to reduce planned joint military exercises with South Korea, citing North Korea’s positive behavior and his rapport with Kim Jong-un. The decision to scale back the exercises, which the President deemed costly and hostile towards North Korea, was made despite the late timing. Trump also revealed that South Korea declined to assist in denuclearizing Iran.

This move echoes previous attempts by Trump to halt these exercises, which he has criticized as provocative in the past. South Korea’s Defence Ministry confirmed that the exercises began as scheduled, while the South Korean presidential Blue House expressed hope for constructive dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The joint military training involving 18,000 South Korean troops aimed to enhance readiness against North Korean threats. The exercises were set to include various scenarios such as live-fire drills, precision targeting, and equipment distribution. Despite North Korea’s recent ballistic missile testing, Trump’s decision to reduce the exercises was met with criticism from Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, who deemed it shortsighted.

North Korea has condemned the military drills as a rehearsal for war, threatening stern actions against the U.S. and South Korea. The regime’s aggressive stance is believed to be a tactic to enhance its weapons arsenal and gain leverage in future negotiations. Trump’s decision to scale back the exercises comes after his recent meeting with Kim Jong-un, emphasizing their positive relationship despite geopolitical tensions.