South Korea has responded to the reports suggesting Seoul will send troops to the Strait of Hormuz in the midst of the US pressure over the Iran conflict.
As cited by domestic media reports, South is reviewing a possible deployment of military assets to Hormuz and preparations are underway. However, the reports did not mention the exact scale and timing of the possible deployments.
A presidential official clarified on Friday, South Korea has not reached a final decision but “a review is still under way on any deployment of forces to the Strait of Hormuz.”
“South Korea may be able to make military contributions to global efforts to ensure free navigation through the strait, to the extent that such contributions do not compromise its defense readiness, if it decides to do so,” a presidential official told Seoul-based Yonhap news agency.
The assets under consideration include a P-8 Poseidon aircraft, which would be South Korea’s first overseas deployment of a maritime patrol aircraft, a naval logistics support ship, and potentially an explosive ordnance disposal team.
“Our government has been closely discussing with the international community ways to make practical contributions for the speedy restoration of free navigation in the strait of Hormuz and peace and stability in the Middle East,” the official told the Guardian.
The deployment of troops requires a review by the national security council and a resolution at a Cabinet meeting. Later it would be approved by the National Assembly .
According to the official, the discussions related to deployment have not even reached the stage of seeking parliamentary approval.
The reports come after the US and South Korea relations have become strained due to lack of Seoul’s support over the Iran conflict. As a result, Trump decided to scale back military drills earlier this month.
South Korea relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for its energy, importing over 90 percent of its primary energy and roughly 70 percent of its crude oil through the waterway.
