Trump says US to scale back South Korea military drills after it stayed out of Iran war
President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint military drills with South Korea. The decision follows South Korea's refusal to provide assistance during the war with Iran. Trump communicated this directive to Hegseth to ensure the cuts are implemented. The order arrived only hours before the scheduled start of the exercises.
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- ✓ President Trump ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea.
- ✓ Trump cited South Korea's lack of help during the Iran war as the reason for the reduction.
- ✓ Trump told Hegseth to cut the U.S.-South Korea drills.
What changed
Trump issued a direct order to the Pentagon and Hegseth to cut the drills hours before they were set to begin.
Live updates
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Trump orders reduction of military exercises with South Korea
President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint military drills with South Korea. The decision follows South Korea's refusal to provide assistance during the war with Iran. Trump communicated this directive to Hegseth to ensure the cuts are implemented. The order arrived only hours before the scheduled start of the exercises.
Why it matters
South Korea is a key ally of the United States. The reduction in joint training signals a shift in diplomatic relations linked to the conflict in Iran.
What is confirmed
- President Trump ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea.
- Trump cited South Korea's lack of help during the Iran war as the reason for the reduction.
- Trump told Hegseth to cut the U.S.-South Korea drills.
Still unconfirmed
- The decision is a reaction to Trump's humiliation regarding Iran.
What to watch next
- Official Pentagon guidance on the specific scale of the reductions
- Response from the South Korean government
- Impact on the immediate start of the scheduled drills
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- BBC — Trump says US to scale back military drills with South Korea after it stayed out of Iran war
- CNN — Trump says US will reduce military exercises with South Korea, citing lack of help with Iran
- AP News — Trump orders Pentagon to scale back joint exercises with South Korea
- Axios — Trump tells Hegseth to cut U.S.-South Korea drills
- The New York Times — Trump Administration Live Updates: President Orders Reduction of Military Exercises With South Korea, a Key Ally
- The Atlantic — Trump Will Make South Korea Pay For His Iran Humiliation
- France 24 — Trump orders Pentagon to scale back military drills with South Korea, hours before start
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