Ahn Cheolsu: "The Essence of the Israel-Iran Conflict Is Nuclear Weapons... Once the Middle East Calms Down, North Korea Will Be Next"

Ahn Cheolsu Evaluates U.S. Airstrikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities
"Attempt to End the War Early... Concerns About Prolongation Remain"
"Government's Diplomatic and Security Team Consists of Those Who Overlooked North Korea's Nuclear Program"

As the United States has conducted airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities, leading to significant international repercussions, Ahn Cheolsu, a member of the People Power Party, expressed concern that "once the Middle East quiets down, the next focus will be North Korea." On the 22nd, Ahn wrote on his social networking service (SNS), "The U.S. intervention can be interpreted as an attempt to end the war early, but there is also a significant risk that the Middle East conflict will be prolonged due to Iranian retaliation and counterattacks."

Ahn Cheolsu, member of the People Power Party. Photo by Yoon Dongju

Ahn stated, "The essence of the Israel-Iran conflict is nuclear weapons. Israel's preemptive strike to prevent Iran's nuclear development, and the U.S. military actions supporting it, are proactive measures for their own national security." He added, "This situation directly affects us as well and carries heavy implications."

Ahn continued, "Currently, North Korea is in effect a nuclear-armed state. The Kim Dae-jung administration ultimately opened the path for North Korea's nuclear development, and the Moon Jae-in administration, through its submissive North Korea policy, effectively enabled North Korea to complete its nuclear armament. This is in stark contrast to Israel's resolute and bold preemptive actions to protect its own security."

He emphasized, "The problem is that President Lee Jaemyung has also failed to learn from the previous administration and is attempting to follow the same path." He added, "President Lee said, 'Even a dirty peace is better than a victorious war.' This is not about opposing peace. It is not about advocating for war, but about facing reality."

He went on to say, "An even greater concern is the diplomatic and security team of the Lee Jaemyung administration. These are individuals who, in the past, effectively tolerated or overlooked North Korea's nuclear development. Such individuals are now once again seeking to become the heads of South Korea's diplomatic and security affairs." He further stated, "I have grave concerns about what kind of security disaster they might leave for our future generations. If President Lee claims to pursue pragmatic diplomacy, he must take concrete steps to secure effective extended deterrence."

He also argued, "We must respond to North Korea's nuclear threat by pursuing measures such as NATO-style nuclear sharing, the introduction of nuclear submarines, and securing the right to reprocess spent nuclear fuel." He stressed, "Attendance at the NATO summit is essential. NATO is the core pillar of security for the free world." He added, "A summit meeting with President Trump should also be arranged as soon as possible to discuss solutions to the North Korean nuclear issue in depth. Once the Middle East quiets down, North Korea will be next. We must thoroughly prepare now to ensure that South Korea can take the lead in nuclear negotiations with North Korea."

However, President Lee Jaemyung has decided not to attend the NATO summit scheduled to be held in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 24-25 (local time). The presidential office explained that the decision was made by prioritizing pressing domestic issues and considering the unstable international situation.

Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, stated in a written briefing on the 22nd, "Despite numerous pressing state affairs immediately after his inauguration, President Lee had been actively considering attending the NATO summit." However, she added, "After comprehensively considering various domestic issues and uncertainties caused by the situation in the Middle East, it was determined that attendance would not be possible this time." Kang also stated, "We plan to consult with NATO regarding the possibility of another official attending in his place."