Trump Signals Major Change in Military Drills With South Korea

Monday, August 17, 2026  Read time1 min

SAEDNEWS: Donald Trump says he has ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, while claiming that Seoul declined his request to help with the “denuclearization of Iran.”

Trump Signals Major Change in Military Drills With South Korea

According to SaedNews: U.S. President Donald Trump said he is dissatisfied with joint military exercises involving South Korea and has instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly reduce them.

South Korea

Trump did not provide a detailed explanation for the decision. He then claimed that he had asked South Korea’s president to help, if willing, with the “denuclearization of Iran.”

According to Trump, the South Korean president rejected the request, responding: “No, thank you.”