South Korea to review joining US Hormuz operation

Published May 5, 2026 Updated May 5, 2026 11:12am

South Korea has said it will “review its position” on joining US operations in the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump urged Seoul to take part following an apparent Iranian attack on one of its ships, AFP reports.

Trump said the incident should prompt South Korea to join American efforts to guide stranded ships through the strait, a major artery for the fuel exports that Seoul relies on.

South Korea’s defence ministry says it would “carefully review our position”, but did not commit to any change.

Seoul would consider its stance based on international law, the safety of international maritime routes, its alliance with the United States, and the security situation on the Korean peninsula, the ministry said.

It added that it had been “actively participating in international discussions on cooperation to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz”.

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