U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday expressed his intent to support South Korea’s efforts to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

During a joint press conference with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-Back following the 57th Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul, Hegseth reaffirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump had approved the move.

He said military authorities will do their best to provide active support on the matter, including the U.S. State Department and Department of Energy, and that the two nations will continue to cooperate closely.

Hegseth explained that Trump wants to strengthen the U.S. alliance, which is why he approved of South Korea's stronger defense capabilities.

Although Hegseth did not elaborate on the approval processes involved, he was confident that Seoul and Washington would continue discussions in good faith, leading to positive results.

He also said the U.S. wants to expand cooperation with South Korea beyond shipbuilding and submarines to other watercraft and combat vessels.

Referring to his visit to the Joint Security Area in the truce village of Panmunjeom with Ahn on Monday, Hegseth said there is a clear willingness to keep stability on the Korean Peninsula through the alliance.

He stressed that the two allies will deal with North Korea and its threats through honest dialogue, with Seoul playing a leading role in conventional defense against Pyongyang.

Hegseth’s remarks suggest that United States Forces Korea will respond to various threats in the region, including North Korea, if necessary, after consulting with Seoul.