Seoul: South Korea is preparing to deploy military assets to contribute to traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. According to National Iraqi News Agency, South Korean media, citing government and military sources, reported that the country is preparing to deploy military assets to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to send them before the end of the year.

Reports from several South Korean media outlets indicated that the government is working on the necessary procedures to obtain parliamentary approval for this move, including submitting a request for approval to parliament this month after review by the cabinet. The reports added that the government is considering options including sending a maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support vessel, or a mine detection and removal unit, and is holding discussions with countries including the United States, Britain, and France regarding the size and nature of the potential contribution.

The South Korean presidential office clarified that Seoul is discussing practical ways to contribute to freedom of navigation in the strait, but reports indicate that the government is determined to deploy military assets. Last month, US President Donald Trump stated in a social media post that he had reduced the scale of joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, citing Seoul’s refusal to assist Washington in a war against Iran as one of the reasons.