US-South Korea Annual Military Drills Cut Short on Trump's Orders

South Korea and the United States have scaled back their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercises following a directive from President Donald Trump. The drills were reduced in both duration and scope, with the US significantly limiting its participation. North Korea denounced the exercises, labeling them dangerous and hostile. Analysts suggest the decision may be connected to broader diplomatic tensions involving Iran and the overall state of US-South Korea relations.