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South Korea Seeks U.S. Approval for Nuclear Submarine Fuel

10/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he hopes U.S. President Donald Trump would allow South Korea to acquire fuel for nuclear-powered submarines, a move to strengthen tracking of North Korean and Chinese submarines.
He stressed the goal is to enhance surveillance rather than build nuclear-armed submarines.
Lee also sought Trump's backing for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel and pursuing uranium enrichment, despite historical U.S. opposition hindering South Korea's submarine ambitions.

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Story summary

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he hopes U.S. President Donald Trump would allow South Korea to acquire fuel for nuclear-powered submarines, a move to strengthen tracking of North Korean and Chinese submarines.
He stressed the goal is to enhance surveillance rather than build nuclear-armed submarines.
Lee also sought Trump's backing for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel and pursuing uranium enrichment, despite historical U.S. opposition hindering South Korea's submarine ambitions.