US seeks to mend ties with key allies after Pentagon leaks | First Thing

Defence secretary speaks to South Korean counterpart after leak suggesting US was spying on Seoul’s internal discussions on arms sales. Plus, the man who walked around the world

Good morning.

The US is attempting to mend fences with key allies after leaked Pentagon documents claimed Washington had been spying on friendly countries including South Korea and Israel.

What did the documents say about South Korea? The unverified documents relating to South Korea, including some apparently based on internal discussions among top South Korean security officials, claimed Seoul was concerned that artillery shells bound for the US could eventually find their way to Ukraine, which would be problematic as it would violate the country’s longstanding policy – supported by a majority of voters – of not exporting weapons to countries at war.

What have they said about it? Officials attempted to play down the significance of the Pentagon documents, whose authenticity has not been independently confirmed. The office of President Yoon Suk-yeol said an initial investigation had concluded there was “little chance” that internal discussions had been intercepted by US intelligence officials, Yonhap news agency said.

What did Jones say in his first statement on the house floor? “To the people of Tennessee, I stand with you.” he said. “We will continue to be your voice here. And no expulsion, no attempt to silence us will stop us, but it will only galvanize and strengthen our movement. And we will continue to show up in the people’s house. Power to the people.”