US media has reported that the Pentagon is moving parts of a Thaad system to the Middle East, citing two officials. Why, critics are asking, did South Korea invest so much political capital in a defence system that could one day be removed? “Japan has not permitted the stationing of US forces so they can sortie from those bases to fire missiles towards the Middle East,” Junya Ogawa told MPs this week. The JoongAng Daily, a conservative South Korean newspaper, said any reduction in the country’s ability to defend itself “inevitably raises concerns”. “The [South Korean] government should work to ensure that any redeployed assets return promptly once their missions end, minimising potential gaps in deterrence against North Korea.

Source: The Guardian March 11, 2026 08:27 UTC