South Korea prepares possible military deployment to Strait of Hormuz, media report

South Korea is preparing for a possible military deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, with several media outlets reporting that Seoul wants to send assets before the end of the year.

The government is reportedly preparing to seek parliamentary approval. The plan could involve submitting a consent motion this month after a Cabinet review. Options under consideration include a maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support vessel, or a unit to detect and clear mines.

South Korean officials have discussed the potential contribution with the United States, Britain and France. The presidential Blue House confirmed that Seoul was examining practical ways to support freedom of navigation in the strait, but rejected reports that the government had already decided on a deployment, saying they were “different from the facts.”

The reported preparations follow comments by U.S. President Donald Trump in an August social media post. Trump said he had reduced joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises partly because South Korea had declined to help the United States in its war against Iran.

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different from the facts