South Korea said on Tuesday it will review its stance on participating in the US-led Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump has called on South Korea to join efforts following a suspected Iranian attack on one of its vessels.
A South Korean cargo ship caught fire after an explosion yesterday in Hormuz, which has largely been disrupted since the US-Israel attack on Iran on February 28.
According to South Korea’s foreign ministry, all 24 crew members aboard the affected vessel, HMM Namu — including six South Korean nationals — were safe.
President Trump suggested the incident should encourage Seoul to support US initiatives aimed at ensuring safe navigation for ships stranded in the strait, a critical route for energy supplies relied upon by South Korea.
In response, the defence ministry said it would “carefully consider” its position, without announcing any immediate decision.
The ministry noted that any move would take into account international law, the protection of global shipping lanes, the country’s alliance with the US, and security conditions on the Korean Peninsula. It also highlighted South Korea’s ongoing involvement in international talks focused on maintaining safe passage through Hormuz.
