The defense ministry has not received any official request from the United States to deploy warships to the Middle East, Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Tuesday following U.S. President Donald Trump's call urging allies to send vessels to protect the Strait of Hormuz.
Ahn made the remarks at a parliamentary session after Trump renewed his call Monday for South Korea, Japan, and other allies and partners to join U.S. efforts to keep the vital shipping route open, stressing Washington has long provided security protection to those countries.
"The defense ministry has not received an official request," he told lawmakers when asked about the matter, adding he does not consider Trump's social media messages urging the deployment of warships constitute an official request.
While noting that the ministry has held various internal discussions prior to an official request, Ahn said such details are not yet at the stage where they can be disclosed.
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