Seoul: Cheong Wa Dae says sufficient deliberations are needed to handle Trump's request for Hormuz warships. The South Korean presidential office emphasized on Monday the importance of careful consideration regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's request for South Korea to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz. The government aims to address this matter "very carefully," underscoring the necessity of thorough discussions between Seoul and Washington.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee Kyu-yeon, who serves as the presidential secretary for public affairs and communications, relayed these sentiments following Trump's social media appeal. The U.S. President had urged South Korea, along with four other nations, to contribute ships to the strategic waterway in response to Iran's attempts to assert control over the passage.

Lee highlighted the need for "sufficient discussions" between South Korea and the United States, suggesting that both nations require ample time for deliberation. He assured that communication lines remain open between the two sides as they navigate this sensitive issue. "We intend to handle this issue very carefully," Lee reiterated.

When questioned about whether a formal request had been made by Washington, Lee indicated that Cheong Wa Dae is in the process of clarifying the "exact intention" behind Trump's statements. The office seeks confirmation of the U.S. government's official position before proceeding with any decision-making.

On the previous day, Cheong Wa Dae had stated its intention to carefully evaluate how to respond to Trump's social media remarks. The office acknowledged that international maritime safety and the freedom of navigation are matters of global concern, requiring careful consideration from all involved parties.