Former US President Donald Trump reportedly reduced the scale of joint military drills with South Korea after Seoul distanced itself from his administration’s push for Iran’s complete denuclearisation. The decision highlights tensions between Washington and Seoul regarding approaches to international issues, specifically the Iran nuclear agreement. South Korea had expressed reservations about fully endorsing Trump’s maximalist stance on Iran, preferring a more diplomatic approach. This disagreement appears to have directly influenced the scope of the military exercises, traditionally large-scale displays of allied strength. While details of the reductions remain limited, sources indicate a significant downscaling from previous iterations. The move underscores the importance of aligned foreign policy goals in maintaining strong military alliances. This decision also reflects Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy style and his willingness to leverage military cooperation for diplomatic concessions.