Seoul Denies Decision on Hormuz Troop Deployment After Local Reports

South Korea pushed back against reports that its military had begun concrete preparations for a mission in the Strait of Hormuz, saying no deployment decision has been made.

The Defense Ministry rejected claims that the government had adopted a position favoring deployment. It said Seoul was discussing with the international community how it might contribute to restoring navigation through the strait, but emphasized that no decision had been taken. The Foreign Ministry also denied that the government had decided to submit a deployment proposal to the National Assembly for approval.

Broadcaster SBS reported that preparations could involve a P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a naval logistics support vessel and an explosive ordnance disposal team. It also said South Korea was discussing the use of ports and airports in other countries as transit points or support bases. JTBC reported that the government was studying a possible deployment and preparing the procedures needed for parliamentary consideration.

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Reports claiming that there is a position favorable to deployment in Hormuz do not accord with the facts.

The reports appeared as U.S. President Donald Trump pressed South Korea to join his policy of denuclearization toward Iran. Seoul had already reviewed a U.S. proposal to participate in escorting vessels through Hormuz after the South Korean-operated HMM NAMU was struck by two projectiles in May. South Korean officials said the projectiles were probably Iranian-developed anti-ship missiles.

The strait carries most of South Korea’s Middle Eastern oil imports. About 70% of the country’s oil comes from the region, and roughly 95% of that supply normally passes through Hormuz.

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No decision has been made.