South Korea is preparing to deploy military assets to the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the unhindered movement of vessels. These assets could be dispatched by the end of this year.
Various South Korean media outlets reported this information late Thursday, citing government and military sources.
According to the reports, the government has initiated the process of seeking legislative approval for the deployment. Preparations are underway to submit a motion for consent to the National Assembly this month, following a review by the Cabinet.
The government is considering three types of military support: deploying a maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support ship, or a unit capable of detecting and clearing mines.
The reports also indicate that South Korea is in discussions with several nations—including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France—regarding the nature and scope of the potential assistance.
However, the presidential office, the Blue House, stated that the government has not yet made a final decision regarding the deployment of military assets to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Blue House noted that Seoul is discussing ways to contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but reports claiming a final decision has been made to deploy military assets are “inconsistent with the facts.”
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had mentioned plans to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the country’s lack of support for the U.S. regarding Iran. He made these remarks in a social media post last August.
