South Korean President says it can't stop US forces from redeploying weapons

South Korea says it cannot block U.S. forces from moving some weapons abroad, but stresses this will not affect deterrence against North Korea. Discussions are underway on redeploying Patriot missile systems for use in the Middle East.

Heejin Kim/Reuters

March 10, 2026

South Korean President says it can't stop US forces from redeploying weapons

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung delivers his speech during an event marking Korea's 107th anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement in Seoul, South Korea, March 1, 2026.

Yonhap/Reuters

South Korea President Lee Jae Myung said on Tuesday that his country could not stop U.S. forces in Korea from shipping some weapons out of the Asian country, but that it would not impact deterrence against North Korea.

"It appears that there is a controversy recently over U.S. Forces in Korea shipping some weapons out of the country," Lee said, noting while Seoul had expressed opposition it was not in a position to make demands.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Friday the U.S. and South Korean militaries were discussing the possible redeployment of some U.S. Patriot missile defence systems based in South Korea to be used in the conflict in the Middle East.

-Heejin Kim/Reuters