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President Lee Jae-myung (Photo: Yonhap News Agency) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] The presidential office said Thursday that South Korea is in close communication with the United States and other key allies regarding possible contributions amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement released to the media, an official from the presidential office said the government is “engaged in multilateral consultations with major partner countries, including the United States, on potential measures for contribution,” while carefully reviewing response options in consideration of domestic laws, procedures, and the country’s defense posture on the Korean Peninsula.
“The situation in the Middle East is a critical issue in international affairs, and the possibility of a prolonged conflict cannot be ruled out,” the official said. “In particular, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could have direct implications for South Korea’s energy supply and broader economy.”
The official added that the international community, including the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is treating the situation in the Strait of Hormuz with seriousness and has raised the need for a coordinated global response. “Multiple countries are currently reviewing their respective contribution measures to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait,” the official noted.
The government reaffirmed that the safety of international sea lanes and freedom of navigation serve the interests of all nations and are protected under international law. “We hope that global maritime logistics networks will be normalized as soon as possible on this basis,” the statement said, adding that Seoul is seeking “an optimal combination of policy options that best serves national interests.”
Meanwhile, as tensions between the United States and Iran have expanded across the Middle East and entered their third week, U.S. President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals regarding allied participation. Three days after calling on allies via social media to dispatch naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said on March 17 (local time) that the United States “does not need anyone’s help.” However, the White House stated the following day that the idea of a multinational coalition in the strait remains under consideration.
The South Korean government is maintaining a stance of cautious response and strategic ambiguity as it assesses the evolving situation.
알파경제 Kim Jisun Reporter(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
