US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael Dobosiewicz stated on February 25th that the US is focusing on the swift fulfillment of conditions required for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea. Dobosiewicz emphasized the importance of a clear roadmap and continued progress on mutually agreed-upon conditions. He acknowledged South Korea’s capabilities while stressing the need for continued joint efforts to maintain readiness and deter aggression. Discussions included a comprehensive assessment of the security environment and the alliance’s combined defense posture. The US official highlighted the importance of a fully capable South Korean military to assume OPCON. This comes as South Korea seeks to regain full wartime control, a process linked to denuclearization progress with North Korea and overall alliance readiness.