Senior South Korean officials, including President Moon Jae-in, are launching a series of meetings with their U.S. counterparts in a bid to jumpstart stalled denuclearisation talks with North Korea and mend fraying ties in their alliance.

South Korea's Moon to meet Trump over stalled North Korea talks

About 500 United States and South Korean marines began small-scale military drills on Monday, just days before US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to hold talks with North Korea on denuclearisation and plans for a second summit of their leaders.

US, South Korea marines hold small-scale exercise ahead of North Korea talks

"I think we need to focus on what is in the best interest of Middle East stability and the threat that Iran poses."

Mattis plays down link between Iran nuclear deal and North Korea talks

Trump offered no explanation for the apparent threat, which came just a day after he hailed the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) as a victory for his get-tough stance on commerce

Trump may put hold to South Korea trade deal until North Korea talks

'There is a need for the United States to lower the threshold for talks with North Korea and North Korea should show it is willing to denuclearise,' the South Korean President said

South Korea's Moon says US should lower threshold for North Korea talks

'My job as chief diplomat is to ensure that the North Koreans know, we keep our channels open,' Tillerson told a news channel

Tillerson to North Korea on talks: 'I'm listening'