Trump Voices Frustration With South Korea Over Refusal to Join Iran War

WASHINGTON:US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with South Korea for declining to join the United States in its war against Iran.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said he had recently asked the South Korean president whether Seoul would join Washington in “denuclearizing the Islamic Republic of Iran,” but was told, “No, thank you!”
Trump said he had instructed the Pentagon chief to reduce the scale of US military exercises with South Korea.
The US president said it was now too late to cancel the exercises entirely, but added that he was unhappy that the United States had previously agreed to participate in them.
According to Trump, the exercises are not only expensive but also send what he described as an inappropriate and aggressive message to North Korea.
Trump said North Korea had not posed a threat to the United States during his presidency and had always maintained a respectful attitude toward Washington.
He also said he has a very good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The remarks come as Washington continues to seek international support for its campaign against Iran, while Trump signals a possible reduction in the scale of long-standing US-South Korea military exercises.