Seoul: South Korea has yet to decide whether to deploy troops to the Strait of Hormuz with the plans still under review, the presidential office said Friday.
The presidential office said the government is following due procedures to examine the possible deployment and has not made a final decision, Xinhua News Agency reported.
“South Korea may consider making a contribution to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as long as it does not undermine its existing military readiness,” the office said.
Several South Korean media outlets reported earlier Friday that the military was moving to prepare for a possible deployment to the strategic waterway.
Under South Korean law, an overseas troop deployment requires a decision by the National Security Council, deliberation by the cabinet, and approval from the National Assembly. The proposal could be submitted to parliament as early as this month, according to the reports.
The reports suggested that the move could represent a change from the government’s previous position that it would consider sending troops to the Strait of Hormuz only after hostilities between the United States and Iran had ended.
The government may have stepped up preparations amid continued pressure from US President Donald Trump, South Korean media reported.
South Korean broadcaster SBS, citing a Defence Ministry source, reported that the planned deployment could include a maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team, and a naval logistics support ship.
A senior South Korean military official was also quoted as saying that Seoul is coordinating with relevant countries over possible stopover locations and operational bases.
Last month, US President Donald Trump criticised South Korea for declining to help Washington in the Strait of Hormuz while questioning large military exercises directed at North Korea, exposing tensions over how Seoul shares regional and global security responsibilities.
Trump said he was displeased by South Korea’s response when the United States sought assistance in securing the vital energy passage.
“I was not happy when South Korea said, no, they’re not interested in helping us with the Hormuz Strait, and yet they get 60 per cent of their oil from the Hormuz Strait,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
“I said, ‘Would you like to help us?’ He said, no, thank you. I said that’s nice, please, thank you,” he said.
–IANS
