Seoul: South Korea has been in close consultation with the United States over their joint military exercises and will continue to do so in the future, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Tuesday. Wi's remarks come after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a substantial reduction in joint military exercises with Seoul, a move widely seen as an overture for dialogue with North Korea but feared by many here that it may delay Seoul's efforts to retake wartime operational control (OPCON) of troops from the United States.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Wi emphasized the ongoing coordination between the two nations based on the strong South Korea-U.S. alliance. He assured reporters that both countries would maintain this coordination moving forward. Wi also noted that Seoul is enhancing its own defense capabilities amidst these developments.

Concerns have arisen that the reduction in joint military exercises could impede assessments of South Korea's military operational capabilities, crucial for the country's plan to regain wartime OPCON. President Lee Jae Myung, during a Cabinet meeting, reaffirmed his commitment to regaining wartime OPCON by 2030.

In response to a social media post by Trump about Iran's denuclearization efforts, Wi highlighted South Korea's active participation in international discussions to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The government is reviewing options to contribute practically to global non-proliferation efforts, considering its defense posture on the Korean Peninsula.

Wi stressed South Korea's significant interest in Iran's denuclearization, drawing on its experience with North Korea's nuclear ambitions. He expressed hope that the friendly relations between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would lead to meaningful dialogue and the resumption of talks promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.