South Korea Weighs Hormuz Military Deployment as Iran Conflict Intensifies

Reports citing government and military sources said Seoul is preparing procedures that could lead to parliamentary approval for a deployment. A consent motion could potentially be submitted this month following Cabinet review.

SBS News reported that concrete preparations are under way and that the proposed force could include P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a naval logistics support ship and an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team.

A senior South Korean defence official was quoted as saying, “We are making concrete preparations to dispatch naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz.”

The P-8 aircraft could be used to monitor submarines and surface vessels, while the EOD team, drawn from the Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team, could work alongside foreign naval forces.

The logistics vessel would provide support for the aircraft and EOD personnel during the mission.

South Korean officials are also reportedly discussing access to ports and air bases in countries near the strait to support the operation.

Seoul Says No Final Decision Yet

The proposed deployment would represent a shift from Seoul’s earlier position that it would consider sending forces only after the US-Iran war had ended.

However, South Korea’s presidential Blue House said reports that the government had already decided on a deployment were “different from the facts”.

A deployment would require approval through several stages, including a decision by the National Security Council, Cabinet approval and consent from the National Assembly. South Korean media reports suggested a parliamentary motion could be submitted as early as this month.

The move comes amid growing pressure from US President Donald Trump. Trump said in an August social media post that he had reduced US-South Korea joint military exercises partly because Seoul had declined to assist Washington in its war with Iran.

Trump has repeatedly criticised South Korea for not providing support to the US during the conflict, while Seoul has continued to examine ways to contribute to the security of commercial shipping.