South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Wednesday Seoul may offer support for the U.S.-led effort to guide commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz after a South Korean vessel came under fire in the waterway last week.
Mr. Ahn said during a meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington that Seoul could “contribute in phases” to the reopening effort as a “responsible member of the international community.”
South Korea in March signed a joint statement with several European, Middle Eastern and North American nations dedicated to securing the strait. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also agreed last month to work with France on joint efforts to reopen the waterway.
Mr. Ahn did not confirm if South Korea would contribute vessels and troops before a comprehensive peace agreement is signed, but said Seoul would provide military personnel and assets along with information-sharing programs.
The comments come after a South Korean ship, the HMM Namu, was targeted by Iranian missile and drone attacks last week as it traveled in the Strait of Hormuz. The explosions from the attack caused a fire but resulted in no casualties.
The attacks came one day after President Trump launched Project Freedom” to guide commercial ships through the waterway. Iran launched attacks on U.S. warships and commercial vessels in response.
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Mr. Trump announced a pause on the project last week, citing positive diplomatic developments with Tehran.
But the Strait of Hormuz, which is used to transport at least 20% of the world’s yearly oil supply, has remained mostly closed to commercial traffic since then and Iran has promised to fire upon ships attempting to move through it without approval.
