Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Monday highlighted the importance of self-reliant defense capabilities amid a "very complex and fluid" international situation, as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran disrupts global energy markets. Lee asserted the necessity of being able to defend without external assistance during a regular security meeting with senior officials, emphasizing the nation's current capabilities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting took place as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran entered its fourth week. U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for approximately a fifth of the global oil and gas supply.

Lee remarked on the importance of a robust, national-level integrated defense system amidst the complex international situation. He stressed the need to address not only military threats but also nonmilitary challenges like cyberattacks, terrorism, climate change, and disasters.

He further pointed out South Korea's advanced conventional military prowess and burgeoning defense industry, which boasts defense spending approximately 1.4 times that of North Korea's GDP. Lee called for pride in these capabilities and urged continued reinforcement of defense systems to ensure protection under any circumstances.

During the meeting, the Joint Chiefs of Staff provided a briefing on the integrated defense posture, while the National Intelligence Service shared its evaluation of North Korea's situation for the year. Discussions also included response strategies for potential casualties and property damage resulting from large-scale explosions at gas and oil refinery facilities, as noted by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung in a written briefing.