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South Korea is considering a phased contribution to international efforts aimed at maintaining safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back. The announcement signals Seoul’s willingness to support regional maritime security without immediately expanding direct military involvement.
Speaking to South Korean media correspondents in Washington on Wednesday, Ahn said he discussed the matter during a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier this week. According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn emphasized that South Korea intends to act as a responsible member of the international community while carefully reviewing practical ways to contribute.
The defense minister explained that Seoul’s phased support could involve political backing, information-sharing, personnel deployments, and the provision of military assets. However, he clarified that no detailed talks had taken place regarding a significant expansion of South Korean troop participation in the region.
Ahn also stressed that any future decisions related to military involvement would need to follow South Korea’s domestic legal procedures. His remarks come shortly after an attack on a South Korean-flagged vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, an incident that raised concerns about maritime security in the strategically important waterway.
South Korea’s presidential office strongly condemned the attack and said authorities are continuing to investigate who was responsible. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, handling a major portion of global oil exports.
During the bilateral meeting, Hegseth reportedly called on U.S. allies to “stand shoulder-to-shoulder” amid growing global security threats. He also praised South Korea’s plans to boost defense spending and increase its role in regional security as part of broader alliance burden-sharing efforts.
The two defense chiefs additionally discussed wartime operational control (OPCON) transfer, nuclear-powered submarine plans, and other alliance-related issues. Ahn noted that there were no talks concerning a reduction of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea.
