The Blue House stated on July 29 that it has not heard of any plans to consider deploying patrol ships to the Hormuz Strait, amid speculation.
A Blue House official said, "The government is closely monitoring the escalating tensions and is reviewing practical measures to contribute to the freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait, taking into account various factors such as readiness on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures."
The official added, "These government efforts have been consistently maintained and are not new."
Earlier, a media report indicated that the National Security Council (NSC) had discussed military contributions related to the Hormuz Strait, including the potential deployment of patrol ships.
The Defense Ministry emphasized that the South Korean government has been in continuous discussions with the international community, including the United States, regarding cooperation measures since the beginning. It reiterated that it is reviewing practical contributions to ensure freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait, considering readiness on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures.
The ministry also expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding the situation in the Hormuz Strait.
Furthermore, the government maintains that the safety of international maritime routes and freedom of navigation align with the interests of all nations and are protected under international law. It has actively participated in international efforts to normalize global maritime logistics.
Since February, following the war with Iran, the United States has been urging its allies to contribute to ensuring freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait. In response, South Korean military authorities have been considering a four-phase contribution plan, contingent on the end of hostilities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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