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United States military assets stationed in South Korea, including Patriot and THAAD air defense systems, could be redeployed to the Middle East if Washington’s campaign against Iran extends beyond initial expectations, South Korean media reported Tuesday.
The Chosun Daily, citing defense analysts, said a prolonged US military operation against Iran could prompt the redeployment of assets and troops currently based on the Korean Peninsula.
On Monday, President Donald Trump said the ongoing U.S. military operation in Iran is expected to last four to five weeks but could continue longer if necessary.
Experts warned that a drawn-out conflict may require additional resources, potentially drawing from forces assigned to United States Forces Korea.
Among the assets that could be considered for redeployment are Patriot missile batteries and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, both central to missile defense on the Korean Peninsula.
MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drones based in South Korea were also cited as possible reinforcements.
There has been no official confirmation from Washington regarding any such move as of publication.
Last year, ahead of a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, the United States temporarily relocated several Patriot batteries from South Korea to the Middle East before returning them months later.
This comes amid escalating regional tensions triggered by joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran launched early Saturday, killing several top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials.
Iran has responded with missiles and drones targeting Israel and the U.S. military assets across the Gulf.
The attacks came as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation. A new round of talks in Geneva ended on Thursday.
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