U.S. official says 'pretty extensive process' in progress for S. Korea nuclear-powered sub project | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK By Song Sang-ho and Baek Na-ri WASHINGTON, March 26 (Yonhap) -- A senior U.S. diplomat said Wednesday that the U.S. government is carrying out an "pretty extensive process" regarding a bilateral agreement with South Korea over the Asian ally's push to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. In the fact sheet, the two governments codified the U.S.' approval for South Korea to build nuclear-powered attack submarines, noting that Washington will work closely with the Asian ally to advance requirements for the shipbuilding project, including "avenues to source fuel." "Specific to a nuclear submarine as part of the joint fact sheet, we're going through a pretty extensive process," the official said. "Interagency is very active on building teams who would go, what our deliverable, deliverables would be, because they're extensive." Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno speaks during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee at the Capitol in Washington on March 25, 2026, in this photo captured from the committee's YouTube account. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) DiNanno noted that the process is proceeding in a collaborative manner with the Pentagon working on the infrastructure dimension and the State Department on the issues related to any potential nuclear fuel provision for the submarine project. Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its ally. sshluck@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #nuclear sub Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' 'BTS: The Return' captures brotherhood under 'heavy crown': director (3rd LD) About 40,000 fans gather for BTS comeback concert in downtown Seoul Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees BTS to stage concert in Seoul's Gwanghwamun to mark long-awaited return Most Saved Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' 'BTS: The Return' captures brotherhood under 'heavy crown': director Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Downtown Seoul to enter security lockdown for massive crowd at BTS concert BTS to stage concert in Seoul's Gwanghwamun to mark long-awaited return Most Viewed All Categories (LEAD) Lee hails homegrown KF-21 fighter jets as leap forward into world's top 4 defense powerhouse Qatari energy firm declares force majeure on LNG contracts with S. Korea nuclear-powered sub project Next U.S. official says 'pretty extensive process' in progress for S.

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OK
By Song Sang-ho and Baek Na-ri
WASHINGTON, March 26 (Yonhap) -- A senior U.S. diplomat said Wednesday that the U.S. government is carrying out an "pretty extensive process" regarding a bilateral agreement with South Korea over the Asian ally's push to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno made the remarks during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commenting on the submarine project included in a joint fact sheet that Seoul and Washington issued in November to outline their agreements on security, trade and other issues.
In the fact sheet, the two governments codified the U.S.' approval for South Korea to build nuclear-powered attack submarines, noting that Washington will work closely with the Asian ally to advance requirements for the shipbuilding project, including "avenues to source fuel."
"Specific to a nuclear submarine as part of the joint fact sheet, we're going through a pretty extensive process," the official said. "Interagency is very active on building teams who would go, what our deliverable, deliverables would be, because they're extensive."
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno speaks during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee at the Capitol in Washington on March 25, 2026, in this photo captured from the committee's YouTube account. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
DiNanno noted that the process is proceeding in a collaborative manner with the Pentagon working on the infrastructure dimension and the State Department on the issues related to any potential nuclear fuel provision for the submarine project.
The official also reaffirmed the U.S. "extended deterrence" commitment to South Korea.
"The president himself on the (Korean) peninsula was very clear in his commitment to the U.S. extended deterrence umbrella. So there can be no clearer message," he said, referring to President Donald Trump.
Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its ally.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)
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U.S. official says 'pretty extensive process' in progress for S. Korea nuclear-powered sub project

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- Korea, China, Italy, Belgium: reports LIG Nex1, Palantir partner for air defense, unmanned system solutions development (LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae, PM's office to launch emergency economic teams to oversee response to Mideast crisis (LEAD) Trump says Iran has given U.S. 'very significant prize' related to oil, gas Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos N.
- Korea's new parliament prev U.S. official says 'pretty extensive process' in progress for S.
- Korea nuclear-powered sub project Next U.S. official says 'pretty extensive process' in progress for S.

### Areas for Consideration
- Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its ally. sshluck@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #nuclear sub Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' 'BTS: The Return' captures brotherhood under 'heavy crown': director (3rd LD) About 40,000 fans gather for BTS comeback concert in downtown Seoul Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees BTS to stage concert in Seoul's Gwanghwamun to mark long-awaited return Most Saved Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' 'BTS: The Return' captures brotherhood under 'heavy crown': director Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Downtown Seoul to enter security lockdown for massive crowd at BTS concert BTS to stage concert in Seoul's Gwanghwamun to mark long-awaited return Most Viewed All Categories (LEAD) Lee hails homegrown KF-21 fighter jets as leap forward into world's top 4 defense powerhouse Qatari energy firm declares force majeure on LNG contracts with S.

### Implications
- In the fact sheet, the two governments codified the U.S.' approval for South Korea to build nuclear-powered attack submarines, noting that Washington will work closely with the Asian ally to advance requirements for the shipbuilding project, including "avenues to source fuel." "Specific to a nuclear submarine as part of the joint fact sheet, we're going through a pretty extensive process," the official said. "Interagency is very active on building teams who would go, what our deliverable, deliverables would be, because they're extensive." Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno speaks during a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee at the Capitol in Washington on March 25, 2026, in this photo captured from the committee's YouTube account. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) DiNanno noted that the process is proceeding in a collaborative manner with the Pentagon working on the infrastructure dimension and the State Department on the issues related to any potential nuclear fuel provision for the submarine project.
- Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to defend its ally. sshluck@yna.co.kr (END) Keywords #nuclear sub Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' 'BTS: The Return' captures brotherhood under 'heavy crown': director (3rd LD) About 40,000 fans gather for BTS comeback concert in downtown Seoul Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees BTS to stage concert in Seoul's Gwanghwamun to mark long-awaited return Most Saved Netflix, BTS to turn Seoul into world's 'biggest watch party' 'BTS: The Return' captures brotherhood under 'heavy crown': director Korean Pavilion at Venice Biennale seeks comfort through art, with Han Kang's sculpture of blackened trees Downtown Seoul to enter security lockdown for massive crowd at BTS concert BTS to stage concert in Seoul's Gwanghwamun to mark long-awaited return Most Viewed All Categories (LEAD) Lee hails homegrown KF-21 fighter jets as leap forward into world's top 4 defense powerhouse Qatari energy firm declares force majeure on LNG contracts with S.
- Korea, China, Italy, Belgium: reports LIG Nex1, Palantir partner for air defense, unmanned system solutions development (LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae, PM's office to launch emergency economic teams to oversee response to Mideast crisis (LEAD) Trump says Iran has given U.S. 'very significant prize' related to oil, gas Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, nuclear, bts topics. Notable strengths include discussion of korea. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 627.