🔻 South Korea says Trump’s move to reduce the level of joint military maneuvers is related to the Iran issue

🔻 South Korea says it appears that Donald Trump, the U.S. president, has ordered a reduction in joint military exercises in connection with the Iran issue.

Choo Hyun, South Korea’s foreign minister, said on Wednesday that it seems the move is intended to pressure Seoul into participating in a war with Iran.

The U.S. president had said on Monday that, due to his “very good relationship” with Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, he wants to significantly reduce joint military drills with South Korea.

Mr. Trump, in a post on a social media platform, called these annual exercises too costly and said he is not satisfied with them. He also pointed to South Korea’s refusal to join discussions related to Iran’s nuclear program and the U.S. efforts to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.