The discussions took place during recent meetings of the bilateral Integrated Defense Dialogue in Washington, according to a South Korean defense ministry spokesperson, who said talks had made “progress” but denied reports suggesting the move would create joint or divided control of the Demilitarized Zone.

“It is not joint management. Nor is it divided management,” the spokesperson told reporters. “It is making DMZ management in some sections more realistic.”

The Demilitarized Zone, established under the 1953 armistice that halted the Korean War, remains one of the world’s most heavily armed borders. The conflict ended without a formal peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas technically still at war.

The United Nations Command, led by the United States, oversees the DMZ under the terms of the armistice agreement. Seoul said consultations with Washington were focused on technical and operational arrangements in certain sections of the border while respecting the authority of the UN Command.

The talks come amid renewed debate in South Korea over wartime operational control of allied forces. President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to seek the transfer of wartime command authority from Washington to Seoul during his presidency, which runs through 2030.

Under the current framework, the United States would command combined South Korean and U.S. forces in the event of war on the peninsula. Successive governments in Seoul, however, have sought greater military autonomy while maintaining the bilateral alliance.

The discussions also coincide with a broader recalibration in South Korea’s policy language toward North Korea. In its 2026 white paper, Seoul’s Unification Ministry described the two Koreas as effectively existing as separate states while reaffirming the long-term goal of reunification.

The shift reflects evolving security dynamics on the peninsula as North Korea continues expanding its missile and nuclear programs amid stalled diplomatic engagement with Washington and Seoul.

The visit comes amid a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties and address regional challenges. Prince Khalid is scheduled to hold a series of high-level meetings with Iranian officials to discuss mutual interests and explore avenues for cooperation between the two nations.

This visit follows a recent phone call on Monday between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. During the conversation, the two top diplomats discussed regional developments and the need for joint efforts to resolve pressing issues.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Saudi Ministry of Defense said: “Under the guidance of the leadership – may God preserve them – His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, and his accompanying delegation arrived today in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on an official visit. His Highness will hold a number of meetings to discuss bilateral relations and matters of mutual concern.”

The visit underscores the continuing momentum in Saudi-Iranian diplomacy following the resumption of ties last year and signals both nations’ intent to engage constructively on regional stability and cooperation.