South Korea weighs ‘contributions’ to Hormuz as US pressure mounts

South Korea is moving towards the possible deployment of naval assets to the Strait of Hormuz under mounting pressure from Washington, potentially making it one of the first US allies to contribute militarily to the strategically vital waterway, observers have said.

The government has reportedly drawn up plans to deploy military assets, including a naval logistics support ship and P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, to the Strait of Hormuz.

If carried out, the deployment would mark South Korea’s first dispatch of troops overseas at the United States’ request in 22 years, since the Zaytun Division was sent to Iraq in 2004.

The Chosun newspaper, citing an official at the presidential Cheongwadae, reported on Friday that South Korea was considering the deployment, which would require approval from the National Assembly.

“We are reviewing various measures related to preparedness on the Korean peninsula, and we can manoeuvre within the scope that does not significantly undermine our readiness posture,” the official told journalists.

“We have repeatedly discussed ways to make substantial contributions to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and in fact, such contributions would include military involvement.”