South Korea begins preparations for possible Hormuz deployment

South Korea has begun examining the practical conditions for a possible military deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, six months after U.S. President Donald Trump asked South Korea and four other countries to send warships.

The government dispatched a fact-finding team to the United Arab Emirates, which could serve as an operating base. The Defense Ministry said on September 8 that the team was assessing regional conditions and security, but stressed that the study “does not presuppose an actual deployment.”

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does not presuppose an actual deployment

The team is reviewing possible military bases and ports, along with maintenance, supply and operational conditions. Particular attention is expected to go to Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi, a major U.S. military facility and an operating hub for the U.S. Air Force Central Command. The government has been considering sending a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and the team is expected to examine whether the base can support it.

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The government’s position has not yet been finalized. The situation that our citizens, or people who support the Democratic Party or the Lee Jae-myung government, are concerned about is not the case.

The deployment process would involve several formal stages. After returning, the team must prepare a report for the National Security Council. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would then review an outline plan, which the defense minister would present to the council. If the council finds a deployment necessary, the Cabinet would review a consent bill before the president approves it. The National Assembly would make the final decision, with the bill specifying the force’s size, mission and deployment period.

The process could take time because governing-party coordination remains incomplete and parliamentary schedules include confirmation hearings and next month’s audit. Hong Ik-pyo, senior presidential secretary for political affairs, said the government’s position had not been finalized and that South Korea would make its own judgment rather than automatically follow U.S. pressure. Public opposition to the deployment has also emerged within the Democratic Party.

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We are making our own judgment as a sovereign country. We do not automatically follow simply because the United States applies pressure.