South Korea Is Reviewing Possible Deployment to the Strait of Hormuz

South Korea has not decided whether to send military assets or personnel to the Strait of Hormuz, but the presidential office says the option remains under review.

A presidential office official said the government is examining a range of possibilities, including combat, noncombat and search missions. The official cautioned that questions about a deployment may be premature because no final decision has been made.

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There is nothing decided, but we are continuing to review it

The government considers freedom of navigation through Hormuz a major national interest. The official said South Korea relies on the Middle East for nearly 70 percent of its oil and that a closure of the strait could damage the broader economy. Seoul therefore began active consultations after Britain, France and the United States proposed an international coalition to protect passage.

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Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is extremely important to our national interests

The review must account for military readiness on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal requirements. The official said South Korea could consider action so long as it does not seriously damage its readiness, but consultations and consent procedures with the National Assembly have not yet reached that stage.

Seoul has shared its plans for using military assets with the United States and with Britain and France, which are leading multinational discussions on keeping the strait open. Further measures could follow if the review advances, the official said, but South Korea remains at the consultation stage.

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There can be various options, including combat, noncombat and search missions, and we are reviewing them comprehensively