South Korea's presidential office has denied domestic media reports claiming the government is preparing to deploy military assets to the Strait of Hormuz, saying such reports are “different from the facts” and that “nothing related to the matter has been decided,” though the review is “continuing.”
Reports of Preparation and Parliamentary Approval
Reports published on Thursday and Friday, citing unnamed government and military sources, claimed that preparations were under way and that the government intended to seek parliamentary approval for a new deployment. The reports, which appeared in major South Korean outlets, said the exact scale and timing have not been agreed.
An official from the presidential office told the Guardian: “Our government has been closely discussing with the international community ways to make practical contributions for the speedy restoration of free navigation in the strait of Hormuz and peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Assets Under Consideration and Parliamentary Process
According to the reports, the assets under consideration include a P-8 Poseidon aircraft, which would mark South Korea's first overseas deployment of a maritime patrol aircraft, and a naval logistics support ship to provide rear support. One outlet, Seoul Broadcasting System, additionally reported that an explosive ordnance disposal team from the navy's underwater demolition unit was part of the package.
Any new deployment in principle would require review by the national security council, a cabinet resolution and approval from the national assembly. South Korea is highly dependent on the Strait of Hormuz, importing more than 90% of its primary energy, including roughly 70% of crude oil through the waterway.
Historical Context and Alliance Strains
In 2020, the government of the then president Moon Jae-in expanded the mandate of an existing anti-piracy unit off the coast of Somalia to cover the Strait of Hormuz, rather than seeking parliamentary approval for a new deployment. South Korea's defence minister, Ahn Gyu-back, in March told parliament that any deployment to the strait would require the national assembly's consent given how different the mission would be from the unit's existing anti-piracy mandate.
The reports come amid growing strains in the US-South Korea alliance. Trump has repeatedly complained in public that Seoul turned down his request for help over Iran, claiming in August that South Korea's president, Lee Jae Myung, had told him “No, thanks” despite the US stationing tens of thousands of troops on the peninsula. Days later, he ordered the Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercises to be scaled back, shortening the drills by six days.
Other Strained Issues and Future Diplomacy
Relations between the two allies have also been strained by delays implementing a $350bn investment package Seoul agreed with Washington last year, reports that the US had restricted intelligence sharing with South Korea, and by a dispute over a data breach at the South Korean e-commerce company Coupang.
Separately, Seoul has expressed interest in taking part in any renewed US-North Korea diplomacy, as Trump signals openness to another meeting with Kim Jong-un.
