Seoul: South Korea has sent an investigation team to evaluate the situation in the conflict-ridden Strait of Hormuz, the defense ministry announced Tuesday. This action comes in response to Washington's ongoing requests for Seoul to support its military efforts against Iran.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the team left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the weekend with plans to return as early as this week. The findings from their assessment will be presented to the National Security Council, as stated by the defense ministry.

A ministry official clarified that the mission's purpose is to evaluate the conditions and security in the strait, emphasizing that the decision to dispatch the team was made independently of any plans for military involvement.

This development follows U.S. President Donald Trump's appeal six months ago to five nations, including South Korea, to deploy warships to the strait to help secure this vital Middle Eastern shipping corridor.

Trump has recently intensified his pressure on Seoul, urging it to contribute militarily to ensure safe navigation through the strait. In August, he claimed that the South Korean government had declined such requests.

On Monday, officials from Seoul's foreign ministry confirmed that South Korea is actively communicating with relevant countries and the international community to facilitate the unobstructed passage of vessels through the strait. Meanwhile, the presidential office noted that no decision regarding troop deployment has been made, as various options are still under consideration.

Source: Yonhap News Agency