South Korea avoids answer on US request for navy deployment in Hormuz

On March 17, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun avoided directly answering whether Washington had formally requested Seoul to deploy naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, Yonhap reports.

During a parliamentary session, Cho said discussions with the United States regarding troop deployments are too sensitive for public comment. “It may be considered a request, or it may not,” he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump had previously urged allies, including South Korea and Japan, to participate in securing the strategically important strait. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly reinforced this call in a phone conversation with Cho.

Opposition lawmakers expressed concern over potential South Korean involvement in military operations, noting that any deployment requires parliamentary approval under the constitution. A senior presidential adviser stated that the government would act cautiously, taking into account national interests and the safety of citizens.

By Khagan Isayev