South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has said that the ongoing US-Iran conflict has made it “even less likely” for North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons programme. His remarks were made during an interview with The Economist, published on Wednesday, in which he also addressed regional security, nonproliferation policy, and domestic political developments.

President Lee noted that the evolving geopolitical situation is likely to reinforce Pyongyang’s reliance on its nuclear arsenal. He suggested that heightened global conflicts and military tensions could further discourage North Korea from considering denuclearisation, despite long-standing international efforts to bring the country back to negotiations.

At the same time, Lee reiterated South Korea’s firm stance on nuclear nonproliferation, stating that it is neither “desirable nor realistic” for Seoul to pursue its own nuclear weapons programme. He emphasised that the country must prioritise self-reliant defence capabilities while continuing to adhere to international nonproliferation norms.

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Discussing broader security concerns, the South Korean president said that national defence should ultimately remain the responsibility of domestic institutions. His comments reflect ongoing debates in South Korea over military preparedness and the extent of reliance on external security partnerships, particularly amid rising tensions in the region.

On domestic politics, Lee addressed the aftermath of the political turmoil triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s 2024 martial law declaration. He said South Korea has the potential to move beyond what he described as a “normalisation of the abnormal” and evolve into a leading global nation. He also highlighted the possibility of introducing a basic income scheme aimed at redistributing economic gains from major technology companies benefiting from the artificial intelligence boom.

Lee further acknowledged legal and political uncertainty surrounding his future, stating that the possibility of impeachment or legal consequences after his tenure remains “pretty high,” depending on ongoing trials related to his previous roles as mayor and provincial governor. The cases are currently suspended while he remains in office.

Meanwhile, the interview comes amid heightened global tensions, with reports of US military action against Iran following escalating hostilities in the region. The developments add further complexity to the international security landscape, which South Korea says is directly influencing North Korea’s strategic calculations.

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