South Korea weighs military role in Strait of Hormuz

South Korea is considering military options to help protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but the government says no deployment decision has been made.

Seoul is reportedly examining options such as deploying a maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support vessel or a mine-detection and clearance unit. Any overseas military deployment would require approval from South Korea’s National Assembly.

The move could strengthen South Korea’s alliance with the United States while avoiding direct involvement in combat operations against Iran. However, domestic opposition remains a challenge, with a recent poll showing more South Koreans opposed than supported sending warships to the region.

The Strait of Hormuz is strategically vital to South Korea, which relied on the waterway for 61% of its crude oil imports and 54% of its naphtha imports last year.

Earlier, South Korea has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s efforts to restart dialogue with North Korea but wants any renewed negotiations to produce meaningful progress on Pyongyang’s nuclear programme.

South Korean National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said on Friday that Seoul supports Washington’s diplomatic outreach to North Korea, provided that it does not weaken the country’s security preparedness or leave South Korea out of the process.

Wi said any renewed US-North Korea dialogue should focus on achieving tangible progress towards addressing North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities while also supporting efforts to establish lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

He stressed that close coordination between Seoul and Washington would be essential if negotiations with Pyongyang resume.