Seoul: Discussions over South Korea's potential role in securing the Strait of Hormuz are focused on safe navigation, energy security, and the safety of nationals, rather than its relations with the United States, a senior foreign ministry official said Thursday. The Seoul government has been weighing whether to deploy military assets to the crucial waterway amid pressure from the Donald Trump administration for Seoul to make a contribution.
According to Yonhap News Agency, First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo addressed the National Assembly's foreign affairs and unification committee, emphasizing that the government is approaching the issue from the perspective of ensuring safe navigation, securing energy supply routes, and safeguarding the safety of South Korean nationals. Park clarified that the term "deployment" has been widely used in South Korea, but the government is engaging in close discussions with the international community to determine how best to contribute to regional stability.
Media reports have indicated that assets such as maritime patrol aircraft, explosive ordnance disposal teams, and unmanned systems for mine detection are under consideration for possible deployment. However, the government has not yet made a final decision. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, en route to Washington for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reiterated the government's commitment to international cooperation, with a primary focus on the safety of its people and ensuring freedom of navigation through the strait.
Park also noted that the government remains in an internal deliberation and review stage, with Minister Cho expected to approach the ministerial talks with a comprehensive view of the situation. Iran has expressed strong opposition to foreign military involvement, warning of "serious consequences" for what it perceives as "dangerous choices."
During the committee meeting, some lawmakers expressed opposition to the possible deployment. Rep. Woo Won-shik of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) argued against deployment, citing lack of justification and differing circumstances from the Iraq War. Concerns were also raised about national interests, the safety of Koreans in the region, and the risk that Iran might perceive even noncombatant personnel as military intervention. Some lawmakers suggested Seoul should focus on postwar reconstruction and humanitarian efforts instead.
Members of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) criticized the ruling party's opposition, highlighting that the perceived divide between the government and the ruling party could lead to public concern.