Trump Orders Pentagon to Reduce Joint Military Exercises with South Korea

President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon on August 16, 2026, to substantially scale back planned joint military exercises with South Korea, citing Seoul's refusal to assist in denuclearising Iran.

The 11-day exercises were originally designed to involve 18,000 South Korean soldiers and test complex combat scenarios, including live-fire precision targeting and manoeuvre drills.

Trump, who previously met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times, claimed the wargames are costly and send an inappropriate signal to North Korea, which he described as respectful.