A spokesperson of the U.S. Department of Defense says that the planned transition of wartime operational control(OPCON) of South Korean troops will take place "when all necessary conditions are met."

John Supple made the remarks on Thursday in response to an inquiry by Yonhap News. 

The Pentagon spokesperson reportedly said a "conditions-based" transition is not only what has been agreed on but also what is necessary to ensure peace and security.

He said that a commitment to a specific timeframe would put U.S. forces and people at risk, adding that ensuring the security of military forces, people and the region is more complicated than merely swapping the leadership of the Combined Forces Command.

The comments mark the first official position issued by the Biden administration regarding the OPCON transfer issue and appear to indicate the U.S.' negative stance toward setting a specific timeframe. 

The remarks came after Seoul's Defense Minister Suh Wook recently vowed to make progress regarding the matter during his term.