Pakistan, Aug. 18 -- US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea. He cited their cost and Seoul's refusal to join US actions against Iran.

Trump said the exercises sent an inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea. He also highlighted his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Read more: Trump orders cut in US-South Korea military drills

The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises began Monday and are scheduled to continue through August 27. About 18,000 South Korean military personnel are participating in the drills.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the exercises began as scheduled. However, officials declined to comment on Trump's r...