South Korea says it cannot block U.S. redeployment of weapons to Middle East

Seoul, March 10 – South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Tuesday that Seoul could not prevent U.S. forces stationed in the country from redeploying certain weapons systems to the Middle East, following reports that some U.S. Patriot missile defence units had been moved amid the escalating regional conflict.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting in Seoul, Lee acknowledged domestic debate over the reported transfer of U.S. military equipment from South Korea, including artillery batteries and air-defence systems.

“It appears that there is controversy recently over U.S. Forces in Korea shipping some weapons, such as artillery batteries and air-defence weapons, out of the country,” Lee said, adding that while South Korea had expressed opposition, it was not in a position to make demands regarding U.S. operational decisions.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said last week that the U.S. and South Korean militaries were discussing the possible redeployment of some Patriot missile system batteries stationed in South Korea for use in the conflict in the Middle East.

Local media reported that some of the systems were shipped from Osan Air Base and could be redeployed to U.S. military installations in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, though South Korean authorities have not confirmed the reports.

Lee said the reported removal of certain U.S. weapons would not undermine South Korea’s deterrence posture toward North Korea.

He noted that South Korea’s defence spending and conventional military capabilities exceed those of North Korea, suggesting that the country remains capable of maintaining security despite potential adjustments to U.S. deployments.

The discussions come as U.S. and Israeli forces continue strikes on strategic targets inside Iran as part of a military campaign that U.S. President Donald Trump has said is intended to cripple Iran’s nuclear weapons programme and ballistic missile capabilities.