The Blue House announced on March 20 that it is in close communication with the U.S. and other key allies regarding potential contributions to the U.S. request for naval deployments to the Strait of Hormuz. Multiple discussions are underway on this matter.
A senior Blue House official stated in a press briefing that the situation in the Middle East is a critical issue in global affairs, with potential for prolonged impact. Notably, any disruption to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz would have direct consequences for the energy supply and economy.
The official elaborated that international bodies, including the United Nations (UN) Security Council and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), are viewing the Strait of Hormuz situation with grave concern and have called for a coordinated global response. Several nations are currently evaluating their potential contributions to safeguard free passage through the Strait.
The government maintains that the security of international sea lanes and freedom of navigation are in the interest of all nations and should be protected under international law. It hopes for a swift normalization of global maritime logistics networks based on these principles, the official added.
It is meticulously assessing the response options, taking into account the domestic laws, procedures, and the defense readiness on the Korean Peninsula. The aim is to identify a set of options that best serve the national interests, the official continued.
This comes after President Donald Trump requested key allies, including South Korea, to dispatch naval vessels following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz due to tensions with Iran, which has disrupted the international oil supply chain.