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

President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron committed to collaborating on Tuesday to restore unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with Macron framing a possible multinational effort as "peaceful". The two heads of state deliberated on Middle Eastern matters during their summit at the Elysee Palace in Paris, as South Korea weighs its role in the strategic waterway.

Iran's actions have prompted heightened interest in Korea regarding a potential government reaction to U.S. calls for contributions to operations in the strait. Macron informed that Seoul and France had previously deliberated on potential contributions, along with the United Kingdom, to facilitate the reopening of the waterway. He affirmed that the nations involved in the multinational mission would work together to reestablish peace in the area once an agreement is reached, describing the endeavor as peaceful.

The discussions come as Seoul deliberates on its response to Washington's requests for Korea to participate in efforts to safeguard the vital shipping route; the government has stated it is evaluating a range of options, including military measures, yet no deployment decision has been finalized.