Bangkok: The United States is prioritizing the necessary conditions for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea to occur "as soon as possible," a senior U.S. diplomat stated. The U.S. acknowledges Seoul's eagerness to swiftly regain OPCON, as highlighted during a recent hearing at the Capitol. According to Yonhap News Agency, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre shared insights during a session of the Subcommittee on East Asia and Pacific affairs under the House Foreign Affairs Committee. DeSombre emphasized ongoing discussions regarding the timing of the transfer and confirmed the U.S.'s commitment to ensuring that the essential conditions for the transfer are met promptly. DeSombre highlighted that the transition is being pursued under a "conditions-based" agreement between Seoul and Washington. He noted the importance of meeting specific conditions to ensure both nations are confident that operational control will maintain the necessa ry deterrence in Korea once transferred. The administration of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung aims to fulfill the conditions for the OPCON transfer before the end of its term in 2030. These conditions include Seoul's capability to lead combined South Korea-U.S. forces, its strike and air defense capabilities, and a regional environment conducive to the transfer. DeSombre's remarks come amid differing views between Seoul and Washington regarding the timing of the OPCON transfer. While Seoul seeks to expedite meeting the conditions, suggesting a potential transition as early as next year, U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson indicated that the goal is to meet the conditions by the first quarter of 2029. Historically, South Korea delegated operational control of its troops to the U.S.-led U.N. Command during the 1950-53 Korean War, which was later transferred to the allies' Combined Forces Command in 1978. Seoul regained peacetime OPCON in 1994, but wartime OPCON is still under U.S. control.