Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held his first phone call with South Korea’s new defense minister Ahn Gyu-back, emphasizing the need for a strategically sustainable alliance between the two nations.
The conversation signals continued U.S. commitment to Korean Peninsula security amid regional tensions and evolving defense challenges.
During the July 30 call, Hegseth stressed the importance of maintaining a credible deterrent posture against shared threats, according to a Pentagon readout. The secretary expressed his desire to work closely with Ahn to strengthen the alliance’s strategic sustainability.
Hegseth emphasized the need for “continuing close consultations” between Washington and Seoul. He told his counterpart he looks forward to meeting in person at the upcoming Security Consultative Meeting.
The call marks the beginning of Hegseth’s working relationship with Minister Ahn, who recently assumed his role in South Korea’s defense ministry. Their discussion focused on ensuring the combined U.S.-ROK military posture “credibly contributes to deterrence against shared threats.”
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell provided the readout, which highlighted the secretary’s commitment to alliance coordination. The timing underscores the importance both nations place on defense cooperation as regional security dynamics continue to evolve.