Washington DC, Aug. 17 -- US President Donald Trump said South Korean President Lee Jae Myung declined his request for assistance in a US military operation against Iran, questioning why Washington should continue spending billions of dollars to protect Seoul from North Korea.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said he called the South Korean President and asked whether he would be willing to "give us a little hand" with Iran, while stressing that the US, however, did not need assistance.

"We don't need help with Iran. But if you'd like to give us a hand with Iran," Trump said, recalling his conversation with the South Korean President.

According to Trump, the South Korean President responded, "No, thanks," prompting him to question the coun...