South Korea maintained a cautious stance as of Friday, even as key allies — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom — issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, from which Seoul was notably absent.
A South Korean presidential office official, speaking anonymously, underscored the broader stakes, noting that any disruption to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz would directly impact the country’s energy supply and overall economy. The official stated that Seoul is in close communication with key allies, including the United States, and is reviewing response measures while accounting for domestic laws, peninsular security, and national interests.
US President Trump has repeatedly urged allies to take a greater role in securing the Strait of Hormuz. During a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi on Thursday, he called on Tokyo to ‘step up.’ Takaichi acknowledged both leaders agreed on the importance of the strait’s safety, but noted Japan’s response would be constrained by its constitutional framework.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, when asked at a National Assembly committee session whether the US had officially requested a naval deployment, maintained an ambiguous stance, saying the government would proceed ‘while maintaining a degree of ambiguity.’ Experts suggest Seoul should design a layered approach to contributions — ranging from information sharing and maritime safety support to limited naval contributions if necessary — rather than treating the issue as a binary choice.
