Seoul: Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) antimissile systems stationed with US Forces Korea are reportedly being moved to the Middle East. President Lee Jae Myung stated on Tuesday that while South Korea has opposed this move, they cannot fully enforce their stance. According to Yonhap News Agency, frequent activity of large US military transport aircraft at Osan Air Base has sparked speculations about the relocation of US air-defense assets. It was reported that a C-17 aircraft transported two Patriot batteries to the Middle East last year during US military actions against Tehran's nuclear facilities. The Washington Post cited two US officials confirming the Pentagon's decision to move parts of the THAAD system from South Korea, which intercepts missiles at higher altitudes than Patriots, to the Middle East. The potential withdrawal of these systems is significant as they are crucial for the US-South Korea defense strategy against North Korean ballistic missiles. South Korea also has its own Patriot batteries, but THAAD is the only high-altitude missile defense system covering a substantial portion of the country. The absence of THAAD could create a vulnerability in the defense against North Korea. South Korea is urged to bolster its air defenses by accelerating the deployment of domestic interceptor missiles and investing in drone systems, which have been effective in Middle Eastern conflicts. With the US pushing for its allies to take on more defense responsibilities, the redeployment of USFK assets may become more frequent, raising concerns about their timely return. President Lee has sought to reassure the public by highlighting South Korea's defense spending and military capabilities. However, public concerns are more focused on North Korea's nuclear capabilities rather than conventional forces. The prospect of diminished US alliance capabilities is troubling. The US military's strategic flexibility necessitates enhanced readiness of the South Korea-US alliance. Despite this, the Lee administration has reduced joint military exercises with the US, citing inter-Korean dialogue efforts. This reduction contradicts Lee's emphasis on self-reliant defense and raises security concerns. North Korea's likely response to US actions in Iran underscores the need for a robust nuclear deterrent, necessitating closer Seoul-Washington coordination and stronger South Korean defense measures.