The Blue House is set to hold a National Security Council (NSC) meeting on September 17, where discussions are expected to focus on contributions to stability in the Hormuz Strait.
According to diplomatic and security authorities on September 16, the NSC meeting will likely address contributions to the Hormuz Strait based on the findings of a recent local investigation team that returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team, which included officials from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, assessed the operational environment and support conditions before returning on September 10.
The government is considering options that would involve minimal troop deployment, focusing on defensive capabilities such as P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams. Technical support, including equipment provision without troop deployment, is also on the table. However, the government has not yet made a decision on the specific contribution method or troop deployment.
It remains uncertain whether the NSC will formally address the troop deployment issue as an agenda item. While there are expectations that discussions will take place following the investigation team's report, some speculate that the pace of review may be moderated, excluding the deployment issue.
With the upcoming US-South Korea foreign ministers' meeting, there is a possibility that the NSC will not reach a conclusion immediately but will consult with the US side. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Minister Park Jin will visit Washington, D.C., from September 17 to 19, where he will meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on September 18. The two sides are expected to discuss bilateral relations, issues on the Korean Peninsula, and regional and global matters.
The issue of contributions to the Hormuz Strait is also anticipated to be addressed during the talks. Recently, US President Donald Trump has indicated that countries not assisting the US will be required to reimburse costs incurred after conflicts, putting pressure on allied nations to participate. South Korea's investments in the US and subsequent security negotiations regarding nuclear-powered submarines are also at stake, suggesting that both countries will coordinate on various issues.
Additionally, there is interest in whether President Lee Jae-myung will provide related remarks during a press conference scheduled for September 18. Given the need to consider US demands, domestic public opinion, and the safety of troops, it is possible that the president will outline the principles and direction of contributions.
Meanwhile, the Blue House stated, "It is difficult to provide specific confirmations regarding NSC-related matters."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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