Overview
- President Donald Trump announced the approval on Truth Social and described the alliance as stronger than ever.
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung requested reactor fuel during their meeting, and national security adviser Wi Sung-lac said Trump agreed in principle but sought additional negotiations.
- Supplying submarine fuel is politically sensitive because nuclear propulsion often relies on highly enriched uranium that is also usable for weapons.
- The step is presented as part of a broader regional strategy that elevates South Korea and Japan as a counterweight to China.
- Trump said Seoul would pay $350 billion to secure lower U.S. tariffs, while South Korean officials described $200 billion in cash with the remainder for joint shipbuilding projects, and Trump cited roughly $600 billion in additional private investments.