South Korea says discussing Hormuz contribution options, not troop deployment

SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks in Paris on Tuesday about security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but the discussions did not involve troop deployment, according to Seoul's presidential office. Lee outlined the talks during a joint press conference, stating that the issue was discussed as part of broader international security conversations.

South Korea and France pledged to maintain close coordination to swiftly restore freedom of navigation in Hormuz and stabilize global supply chains. South Korean National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac revealed that the discussions centered on South Korea's potential contributions to maritime security in the strait, rather than on deploying troops.

The review of Seoul's options remains ongoing, with no decision finalized. Iran had requested explanations through diplomatic channels after media reports suggested South Korea might play a role in Hormuz security efforts; however, Wi dismissed such suggestions. Seoul dispatched an inspection team to the UAE to evaluate regional security conditions, but the intent was solely to gather information, not to imply a troop deployment.

The team was reportedly examining conditions for potential P-8 maritime patrol aircraft operations at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE. While any military deployment would need approval from South Korea's parliament, media reports suggested the issue could be discussed at a National Security Council meeting on September 17. Seoul denied reports that the US had set a deadline for deploying assets to Hormuz, despite President Trump's decision in August to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the country's reluctance to aid the US in the US-Iran conflict.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman cautioned that any South Korean military involvement in Gulf or Hormuz operations would be seen as supporting US aggression and would face serious consequences.