South Korea is reportedly considering sending military assets to the Strait of Hormuz to help protect freedom of navigation amid pressure from the United States for greater international support in the region.
According to reports by several South Korean media outlets, Seoul is working on procedures that could lead to parliamentary approval for a potential deployment before the end of the year.
A motion seeking lawmakers’ consent could be submitted later this month following a review by the Cabinet.
Among the options reportedly under consideration are a maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support vessel, or a specialised unit capable of detecting and clearing naval mines.
South Korean authorities have also held discussions with the United States, Britain and France over the possible size and role of any contribution, the reports said.
However, Seoul’s presidential Blue House has pushed back against claims that a final decision has already been made.
It confirmed that discussions are underway on practical ways South Korea could contribute to freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway but said reports suggesting that a deployment had been settled were not consistent with the facts.
The reported deliberations come amid heightened tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and US efforts to secure broader international participation in protecting shipping routes.
US President Donald Trump had previously said in an August social media post that Washington reduced the scale of its joint military exercises with South Korea partly because Seoul had declined to support the United States during its conflict with Iran.
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