Pentagon talks reinforce US–South Korea security partnership

South Korea and the United States have agreed to deepen cooperation in areas of shared security interest, including Seoul’s effort to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington and broader initiatives to modernise their military alliance.

During talks held at the Pentagon on May 11, South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated their commitment to closer coordination, Caliber.Az reports, citing Korean media.

According to a joint statement from the Pentagon, both sides agreed to stay in close communication and continue cooperation on key security matters.

“The two leaders also discussed key alliance issues, including wartime operational control transition and alliance modernization, and resolved to strengthen cooperation moving forward,” it said.

The Trump administration has emphasised greater burden-sharing among allies and urged Seoul to take on a larger role in deterring North Korea, with continued but more limited U.S. support.

The discussions took place amid some differences in timing for the OPCON transfer.

US Forces Korea commander Gen. Xavier Brunson previously told Congress that conditions for the transition could be met by early 2029, while South Korea is reportedly aiming for 2028, suggesting a possible gap in expectations.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of the Korea-US Integrated Defence Dialogue (KIDD), a key consultative mechanism addressing OPCON and alliance coordination.

The next KIDD meeting is scheduled for later this week in Washington.

Ahn also stressed South Korea’s ongoing efforts to expand defence spending, strengthen military capabilities, and take a greater role in defending the Korean Peninsula.

Hegseth, meanwhile, highlighted the need to modernise the alliance and maintain a practical approach to deterring emerging threats, while strengthening the combined US–ROK defence posture.

The two sides are also believed to have touched on Seoul’s plan to develop nuclear-powered submarines, an initiative previously endorsed in principle during a leaders’ summit last year, though progress has been limited.

At the beginning of the talks, Hegseth also urged allies to support US efforts in addressing global security challenges.

“The U.S. is looking to South Korea -- and all partners and allies -- to stand shoulder to shoulder with this country during times of conflict,” he said, according to the Pentagon.

His remarks followed reports from Seoul that a recent explosion and fire aboard a South Korean cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz may have been caused by an unidentified aerial strike, raising concerns about maritime security and regional stability.

Officials from both sides discussed the importance of protecting shipping routes and ensuring freedom of navigation, while Seoul said it would review its response in stages.

South Korea’s presidential office strongly condemned the incident and pledged continued participation in international efforts to secure safe passage for commercial vessels, including Korean ships.

Ahn’s visit to the United States is scheduled to last five days, during which he is also expected to meet with US Navy officials and members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov