Lee, Macron back Hormuz cooperation, stress 'peaceful' multinational mission

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron committed to working together to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to wire reports. Macron described the potential multinational mission as peaceful as South Korea ponders its role in the critical waterway. The two leaders discussed Middle East matters during their summit at the Elysee Palace in Paris, amid rising interest in South Korea regarding the government's response to U.S. calls for contributions to efforts in the strait.

Macron noted that Seoul and France had previously deliberated potential actions, including collaboration with the U.K., to assist in reopening the waterway. He stated that the two nations would cooperate to restore peace in the region once a consensus is achieved among the countries participating in the multinational mission, which he characterized as peaceful.

The discussions took place as Seoul evaluates its response to Washington's request for South Korea to participate in efforts to secure the vital shipping route. The government has indicated that it is examining various options, including military measures, although no deployment decision has been made yet.