South Korea has announced it is weighing “contributions” to United States-led security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, provided its own military readiness is not compromised. However, the government emphasised that no final decision has been made.
The announcement follows repeated pressure from US President Donald Trump on South Korea, a key ally, to assist with the war in the Middle East. President Trump has claimed that Seoul rejected his requests for assistance in securing the strategic Strait, reports AFP.
“Contributions to the Strait of Hormuz could be managed within limits that do not compromise military readiness,” a South Korean presidential official told reporters on Friday.
In a separate statement, the president’s office clarified that earlier references to potential military contributions—such as combat participation, non-combat roles, and search operations—were merely general descriptions of various options. The statement added: “Please be advised that nothing has been decided yet concerning actual contributions”.
The official comments came a day after local broadcaster JTBC reported that the South Korean government was “leaning towards” dispatching troops to help in Hormuz and was reviewing details ahead of seeking parliamentary approval.
Mr Trump has struggled to secure allied support in the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran six months ago. The fighting has reached an impasse, with Iran maintaining a stranglehold on the strategic Strait of Hormuz while Washington presses its counter-blockade of Iranian ports.
