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World · Asia-Pacific · published 2026-08-20 · via Al Jazeera

Trump's order to cut US-South Korea military drills sparks security concerns in Seoul

US President Trump ordered a reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing an inappropriate signal to North Korea and Seoul's refusal to join the war on Iran. The move has rattled South Korean officials and raised doubts about the reliability of US security guarantees. The annual drills were cut from 11 days to five.

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The reduction was announced abruptly on Truth Social just before the exercises were to begin, catching officials off guard on South Korea’s liberation day holiday. Military leaders quickly adjusted, with US Forces Korea commander General Xavier Brunson meeting Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back to finalize the cut from 11 days to five, also scaling back field training scope.

President Lee Jae Myung publicly emphasized the alliance’s importance while calling for stronger self-reliant defense, yet also expressed empathy with Trump’s demand for Seoul to shoulder more security costs. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun admitted no advance warning was given, and

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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “Alarm in South Korea as Iran dispute with Trump shakes a 72-year alliance.” Browse more stories.