President Lee sought nuclear fuel support from Trump, who approved South Korea building a modern nuclear submarine at Hanwha
SEOUL
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that Washington will work across government agencies to help South Korea build nuclear-powered submarines, fulfilling a pledge made by President Donald Trump. Speaking after annual security talks with South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back, Hegseth said the process would be handled “in a deliberate manner,” involving the Departments of State and Energy.
The move follows President Lee Jae Myung’s recent request to President Trump for support in obtaining nuclear fuel. Trump later announced approval for South Korea to build a nuclear-powered submarine at a US shipyard owned by Hanwha Ocean, calling it a modern alternative to “old-fashioned” diesel models.
Hegseth praised South Korea as a “model ally” with an “incredible” shipbuilding industry, saying the project would strengthen both nations’ defences. He added that the partnership would open more opportunities for cooperation in naval and surface warfare production.
When asked about US Forces Korea’s potential role in a Taiwan Strait conflict, Hegseth said regional flexibility would be considered but emphasized continued deterrence against North Korean threats. He reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to nuclear deterrence and alliance security.
Hegseth and Ahn visited the Joint Security Area in the Demilitarized Zone, symbolizing their shared commitment to peace and defence. Their annual Security Consultative Meeting, the first since both took office, focused on strengthening military coope
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North fires rockets ahead of US official’s visit
North Korea fired several artillery rockets less than an hour before US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to the Demilitarized Zone, Seoul’s military reported. The shells landed in the Yellow Sea, with further analysis underway. Hegseth, speaking alongside South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back, vowed to fulfill President Trump’s pledge for South Korea to build nuclear-powered submarines at a U.S. shipyard. He stressed continued U.S. commitment to deterring North Korean threats and supporting allies. The missile launches followed recent talks between South Korean and Chinese leaders during the APEC summit, highlighting rising tensions in the region.
