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South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-Back announced on Wednesday that South Korea is evaluating a phased approach to contribute to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The steps suggested support measures but stop short of military involvement, Yonhap News Agency reported.
During a press conference with South Korean media in Washington, Ahn stated that he conveyed Seoul’s stance during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Monday. “We indicated that, at a basic level, we will participate as a responsible member of the international community,” he explained. “We are reviewing ways to contribute gradually.”
Possible forms of assistance could include political backing, dispatching personnel, sharing intelligence, and providing military assets, but no detailed discussions about expanding South Korea’s troop commitments have taken place. “There was no in-depth discussion about specifically increasing our military’s involvement,” Ahn clarified. “Any decisions will need to follow domestic legal procedures.”
The day after the meeting, Seoul condemned an attack on a South Korean-flagged vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing an ongoing investigation into the incident. The South Korean presidential office strongly denounced the attack but said responsibility had yet to be determined.
Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. expects allies to stand united in the face of rising global threats, citing President Donald Trump’s authorization of Operation Epic Fury as evidence of U.S. resolve. He praised South Korea’s plans to boost defense spending and take on greater responsibility for regional security as an example of fair burden-sharing among allies.
Additionally, Ahn noted that Hegseth expressed understanding of South Korea’s position regarding a conditions-based transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States, with an aim to complete the process sooner rather than later. The two sides also discussed other alliance topics, including plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines. No discussions occurred regarding reducing U.S. troop levels or altering the strategic flexibility of U.S. forces stationed in South Korea.
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