South Korea is reviewing phased support for efforts to keep shipping safe through the Strait of Hormuz after Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington on Monday, Ahn said on Wednesday. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Ahn said the government had told Washington it would consider backing the mission in stages. “We said at about this level that, fundamentally, we will participate as a responsible member of the international community and that we will review ways to contribute in a phased manner,” he said. [1]
He said possible forms of support included political backing, personnel deployment, information sharing and the provision of military assets. But he said there had been no detailed discussion about expanding South Korean troop or direct military participation. “There was no deep discussion on something like specifically expanding our military’s participation,” Ahn said. [1, 2, 4]
Ahn said any decision on South Korea’s role would have to follow domestic legal procedures. South Korean officials are also reviewing whether to join a US-led Maritime Freedom Construct to help safeguard the waterway, according to the facts provided. [1, 2, 4]
The talks came after South Korea denounced an attack on a South Korean-flagged vessel near the Strait of Hormuz last week and said it was still investigating responsibility. Seoul said it would decide on any response only after that probe was complete. [1]
Ahn also discussed wider alliance issues with Hegseth, including wartime operational control transfer and South Korea’s plans for nuclear-powered submarines. The two sides agreed to launch working-level consultations on maritime security as early as possible. [4]
