U.S. President Donald Trump directed a substantial reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea's refusal to join a U.S. war against Iran. The announcement came via social media just before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which are designed to counter North Korean threats, and occurred without prior consultation with Seoul. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung addressed the matter in a cabinet meeting, while a Hankook Ilbo editorial described the move as evidence of a faltering alliance.