Lee and Macron discuss international solidarity over Strait of Hormuz security

The South Korean and French presidents discussed how the international community could contribute to safety and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but Seoul cautioned against describing the talks as negotiations over a troop deployment.

President Lee Jae-myung, visiting France for a state visit, raised the Strait of Hormuz and the war in Ukraine with President Emmanuel Macron during their summit on Sept. 8 local time. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said the talks broadened the two countries’ common ground on major international issues and strengthened their global strategic partnership.

Asked whether the leaders had discussed sending forces to the waterway, a senior South Korean presidential official said that framing would be inaccurate. “What we discussed today was how to contribute to the international solidarity proposed by France and Britain on safety and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” the official said.

“

What we discussed today was how to contribute to the international solidarity proposed by France and Britain on safety and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

South Korea is reviewing the situation. The official said the Defense Ministry’s assessment remains under way and that nothing has been decided. A field mission sent to the region should be understood as part of that review, the official said. The Defense Ministry has denied reports that the United States set a November deadline for Seoul to send troops, while confirming that it dispatched an assessment team to examine regional conditions and security. It said the mission did not presuppose an actual deployment.

The official also said Iran had asked about reports of South Korean involvement in military operations, but had shown no meaningful reaction because Seoul’s moves remain nonspecific and at the review stage.

“

The review is under way and nothing has been decided.