Washington, August 17 (QNA) - US President Donald Trump ordered a reduction in the joint military exercises with South Korea, which began Monday.

 In a post on the Truth Social platform Trump said the exercises aren't only costly, but also send an inappropriate message to North Korea, which he described as having posed no threat during his time in the White House.

The US president added that he had recently asked South Korea to join the United States in efforts to denuclearize Iran, but it declined.

South Korea and the United States began their joint summer military exercises today, with Seoul seeking to accelerate efforts to regain operational control.

The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises will continue through Aug. 27 and include joint operations across all domains to enhance the two sides' readiness and capabilities through simulations of realistic threats that reflect the rapidly evolving nature of modern warfare. (QNA)