U.S.-South Korea Talks on Hormuz Contributions Postponed

Government officials have postponed the National Security Council (NSC) standing committee meeting, indicating a cautious approach regarding military contributions in the Hormuz Strait. Instead of finalizing their stance, the government aims to narrow down support methods and scope after discussions at the U.S.-South Korea foreign minister meeting.
 
On the morning of September 17, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun departed for Washington, D.C., to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two ministers are scheduled to meet on September 18 (local time) to discuss a wide range of topics, including U.S.-South Korea relations, the Korean Peninsula, and regional and global issues. This will be their first bilateral meeting in seven months, providing an opportunity for both foreign ministers to exchange views on the Hormuz situation.
 
Before his departure, Cho told reporters that the decision regarding troop deployment to Hormuz has not been made and is under consideration based on various factors. He emphasized that while South Korea will participate in international cooperation, the safety of its citizens and the freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait will be prioritized.
 
During the meeting, Cho is expected to explain the South Korean government's review process and public sentiment while also gauging the U.S. expectations for contributions. Without understanding the specific forms and levels of support the U.S. seeks—whether it be personnel, equipment, or technical assistance—South Korea's options and negotiation leverage may be limited.
 
The government is reportedly examining discussions not only with the U.S. but also with a multinational coalition led by the United Kingdom and France.
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it will assess the Hormuz issue from a broader perspective, considering freedom of navigation, energy supply, and the safety of local populations. First Vice Minister Park Yoon-joo mentioned during a National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee meeting that the discussions with the international community fundamentally revolve around contributions and how to assist in restoring stability.
 
The introduction of nuclear-powered submarines and the expansion of uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing rights are also expected to be key agenda items for this meeting. Cho stated that he aims to expedite the implementation of the fact sheet (joint explanatory materials) while maintaining a clear stance on issues that contradict national interests or South Korea's position.
 
Meanwhile, the NSC standing committee meeting originally scheduled for today has been postponed. The Blue House did not provide specific reasons for the delay, but it appears to be a strategic decision to assess the outcomes of the U.S.-South Korea foreign minister meeting, especially with Cho's absence.
 
Discussions are ongoing regarding the limited deployment of non-combat defensive forces, such as maritime patrol aircraft, explosive ordnance disposal teams, and unmanned equipment, or providing equipment and technical support. Some voices within the ruling party have suggested that instead of sending troops, South Korea could leverage its strengths in shipbuilding and plant sectors to support post-conflict reconstruction and recovery.
 
The ongoing negotiations regarding U.S. investments, which have not yet been finalized, also present a variable. Cho commented on the delay in reporting the first U.S. investment project to the National Assembly, stating that it is more about clarifying domestic procedural issues than differences between South Korea and the U.S.
 
Following the scheduled press conference by President Lee Jae-myung on September 18 and the U.S.-South Korea foreign minister meeting, the government is expected to finalize its contributions to the Hormuz situation. After completing his schedule in Washington, Cho will travel to New York on September 19 to coordinate meetings with senior UN officials and foreign ministers from various countries. Issues that could not be resolved at the ministerial level may be addressed through further discussions at the UN General Assembly.