South Korea Weighs Possible Naval Support Mission to Strait of Hormuz

South Korea is considering a possible deployment of naval and support assets to the Strait of Hormuz as President Donald Trump increases pressure on the US ally to contribute to efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway, according to local media reports and Bloomberg.

A South Korean naval vessel participates in maritime operations as Seoul considers options for contributing to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. [Photo: Republic of Korea Armed Forces 中文： 大韓民國國軍]

The Chosun Ilbo reported recently that Seoul had notified Washington in August that it was willing to dispatch a naval ship and maritime patrol aircraft and had begun preparing options that could eventually require parliamentary approval.

The report said about 150 personnel could be involved.

South Korean broadcaster SBS separately reported that the military had developed a plan involving a P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support ship and an explosive ordnance disposal team, with the total deployment estimated at about 150 personnel.

Discussions were also reportedly under way over possible ports and an operational base.

However, South Korea's government pushed back against reports that a deployment decision had already been made.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff said reports of concrete preparations for an imminent deployment were inaccurate and emphasized that "no decisions have been made regarding this matter."

The presidential office said a review was continuing and that any contribution would have to take into account South Korea's military readiness on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal requirements.

South Korea has been consulting with the international community about practical ways to help restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East.

Any deployment of military assets would require further government review and, depending on the mission, parliamentary approval. Seoul has not committed to sending combat forces.