South Korea Weighs Phased Role in Hormuz Security Effort

Seoul is considering a phased role in international efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said after talks with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington.

Ahn added South Korea was ready to act as a responsible member of the international community, but wanted to assess specific steps gradually. Support could include political backing, personnel deployments, information-sharing or the provision of military assets, he said.

He stressed, however, that no detailed talks had taken place on expanding South Korea’s military participation and that any decision would have to go through domestic legal procedures.

The talks came shortly after an attack on a South Korean-operated cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz. Seoul has condemned the incident but is still investigating who was responsible.

Hegseth said during the meeting that the United States expected allies to act together in response to growing global threats. He also praised Seoul’s plans to increase defense spending and take greater responsibility for security on the Korean Peninsula.

(reuters, bak)