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.

The ministry said the deployments were made “in the context of the latest developments in our region,” adding that additional measures could be taken depending on how the situation evolves.

European powers have stepped up military activity on the divided Mediterranean island since a drone struck Britain’s RAF Akrotiri air base in Cyprus last week. Security officials believe the drone was launched by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group.

The Turkish defence ministry said six F-16 jets along with air defence systems had been positioned in northern Cyprus, which Ankara recognises as an independent state.

“As a result of the evaluations to be made depending on the developments, additional measures will continue to be taken if necessary,” the ministry said in a statement.

The island of Cyprus has been divided for decades between the internationally recognised government in the south and the Turkish Cypriot administration in the north. Ankara does not recognise the Greek Cypriot government, which is a member of the European Union.

Nikos Christodoulides, the Greek Cypriot president, said the Turkish deployments were a response to recent European statements asserting that the island’s security falls under the responsibility of the European Union.Speaking to Greek newspaper Kathimerini, he described Turkey as an “occupying power” in Cyprus.

Tufan Erhurman, leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, criticised the remarks and said the focus should instead be on ensuring security for the entire island and both communities.

Omer Celik, spokesman for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party, said the deployment was not aimed at any country but intended to strengthen security and maintain the balance of power on the island.“But we must add this: other steps may come too, whether it is air defence systems, drone centres,”

The latest move follows a regional security incident last week when NATO defences intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Iran that entered Turkish airspace. Ankara warned Tehran on Saturday against launching further missiles toward its territory.

Speaking to the newspaper on Saturday, Trump described Meloni as “a great leader” and said Italy was doing what it could to help in the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. “She always tries to help, she is an excellent leader and she is a friend of mine,” Trump said, according to the report.Italy signals support roleItaly has taken steps in recent days indicating a possible role in regional security efforts linked to the conflict.

Meloni said on Thursday that Rome was planning to send air-defence assistance to Gulf countries facing Iranian air strikes.The move reflects broader European concerns about the security implications of escalating hostilities in the Middle East.Naval deployment near eastern MediterraneanSeparately, an Italian navy vessel is preparing to sail to Cyprus, an Italian navy spokesperson said on Friday. The deployment is part of a joint European mission intended to help protect the island after it came under Iranian fire.The operation underscores growing military coordination among European countries as regional tensions intensify.

Diplomatic alignment with WashingtonTrump’s remarks highlight the close political relationship between Washington and Rome under Meloni’s leadership. Italy, a NATO member and a key European Union economy, has maintained strong security ties with the United States.Italian officials have not detailed the full scope of their potential involvement, but recent defence measures suggest Rome is positioning itself to support regional security initiatives connected to the conflict.