Ahn Gyu-back meets with correspondents in Washington.

US expresses support for conditions-based OPCON transition.

Both sides share understanding on the need for working-level talks on a nuclear-powered submarine program.

No discussions held on any reduction of US forces stationed in Korea.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back pays tribute at the Korean War Veterans Memorial Park in Washington, D.C., on May 12, local time, after laying a wreath, honoring soldiers who gave their lives for the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced on May 12 (local time) that he had conveyed to the United States South Korea’s position that it will consider making phased contributions to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He also said that, despite slight differences in perception on the prompt transition of wartime operational control (OPCON), significant progress had been made.

Minister Ahn held a press roundtable with Korean correspondents at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington, D.C. There, he revealed that, during his meeting with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth the previous day (May 11, local time), regarding the resumption of transit through the Strait of Hormuz, he had said, “We discussed to the extent that, basically, we will participate as a responsible member of the international community, and we will consider ways to make phased contributions.”

He explained that, as possible forms of phased contribution, he mentioned expressions of support, the dispatch of personnel, information sharing, and the provision of military assets. He added, “I told them that, based on the procedures of international and domestic law, we will consider making phased contributions after a comprehensive review.” This is interpreted as the Korean government proactively setting out its position in principle, rather than responding to a specific US request for Korea's role.

Minister Ahn, referring to the HMM Namu, a vessel operated by a Korean shipping company that was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, said, “We held extensive discussions with the US side. I told the US side that our military is participating in the Korean government's joint investigation where necessary, providing technical analysis and consultation. There are many significantly limiting factors in disclosing specific details.”

Regarding the transition of wartime operational control, Minister Ahn said, “Secretary Hegseth fully agreed on a conditions-based transition of wartime operational control and expressed his hope that the transition be carried out as soon as possible on that basis. Congressional leaders shared the same view, and both Secretary Hegseth and the Acting Secretary of the Navy concurred on this point.”

Regarding Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program agreed upon at the ROK–US summit, Minister Ahn said, “I believe security issues should be addressed on a track separate from economic issues. Even in light of the United States' ongoing war with Iran and the issues with China and North Korea, I shared the understanding with the US side that working-level consultations need to begin without delay.”

Minister Ahn said that, during his meeting with Secretary Hegseth, neither a reduction nor strategic flexibility of US forces in Korea was discussed, adding, “I explained the increase in the defense budget and the securing of core military capabilities aimed at realizing Korean-led defense of the Korean Peninsula. It was a meaningful time where we openly discussed major outstanding Alliance issues such as the transition of wartime operational control and the pursuit of the nuclear-powered submarine program.”

Meanwhile, Minister Ahn visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial Park that day, where he laid a wreath and expressed his deep respect for the noble spirit of sacrifice of the veterans who dedicated themselves to the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea.

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >

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