Washington: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced on Wednesday that South Korea will consider phased contributions to the U.S.-led initiative aimed at ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the South Korean Embassy in Washington, Ahn discussed his recent meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, where he emphasized Seoul's commitment to participating as a responsible member of the international community.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn outlined potential ways South Korea might contribute, including declaring support, dispatching personnel, sharing information, and providing military assets. However, he noted that detailed discussions regarding direct military participation were not held, citing the need for adherence to South Korea's domestic legal procedures.

Ahn's comments follow a recent incident involving the South Korean-operated cargo ship HMM Namu, which was reportedly attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The South Korean presidential office condemned the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to international maritime safety efforts.

In discussions with Ahn, Hegseth reiterated the U.S. call for South Korea and other allies to stand together in maintaining security in the region. Ahn shared details of South Korea's investigation into the HMM Namu incident and offered technical analysis and advisory support to the U.S., if needed.

The meeting also touched on the early transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to South Korea, a matter of ongoing negotiation between the two countries. Ahn expressed South Korea's firm stance on pursuing an early transfer, despite apparent differences in timeline expectations between the allies.

Additionally, Ahn addressed South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine initiative, emphasizing the separation of security and economic issues and advocating for the initiation of working-level consultations at the earliest opportunity.

Ahn clarified that there were no discussions on reducing U.S. troop presence in South Korea or altering the strategic flexibility of U.S. Forces Korea, highlighting the focus of the talks on strengthening the bilateral alliance.