"The US is ready to use nuclear weapons to defend South Korea".

APA reports with reference to "Deutsche Welle" TV that US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin said this during his visit to South Korea.

It was reported that Austin met with his Korean counterpart Lee Jong-sap, who visited South Korea against the backdrop of North Korea's increasing nuclear potential.

Officially, Seoul received assurances from Washington due to the increased potential threat from North Korea.

In turn, the head of the Pentagon promised that the United States is committed to the position of using all conventional and nuclear deterrents to protect South Korea.