Seoul envoy headed for US with deals, Hormuz on agenda

Seoul's top diplomat is scheduled to meet his US counterpart in Washington this week, officials revealed on Wednesday. The agenda includes billions in deals and a possible deployment to the strategic Hormuz Strait. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is set to depart for a week-long trip that begins Thursday and extends to Saturday. The talks will also feature US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to Seoul's foreign ministry.

South Korea pledged to invest $350 billion in US projects last year as part of a deal aimed at averting the worst effects of President Donald Trump's tariffs. However, specific projects and final terms are still under negotiation. In addition to discussing South Korea-US relations, the Korean Peninsula, and regional and global issues, the two sides will address South Korea's potential military involvement in the Hormuz Strait.

This area has become a focal point of tension following the joint military exercises between the US and Israel against Iran. Despite pressures from Trump, Iran has cautioned Seoul against engaging in the key waterway.