Korea should contribute to international efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, experts said in Foreign Affairs, but only in noncombat roles. They said Seoul should avoid direct confrontation with Iran and frame any move as protecting freedom of navigation and energy supplies. The experts also urged careful timing and broader international coordination. Possible roles include maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support vessel and mine-detection capabilities.
ROKS Soyang, an 11,000-ton logistics support ship of the ROK Navy, is seen during its commissioning ceremony in 2018. The vessel is being considered for deployment to the Strait of Hormuz as part of a possible military contribution to the U.S.-led mission. Yonhap
Korea should make a military contribution to international efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz but limit its role to noncombat missions, experts said, citing the need to manage its alliance with the United States, protect the country’s energy and maritime interests and uphold freedom of navigation.
Experts stressed that Korea should avoid direct military confrontation with Iran, ensure that its contribution is not perceived as joining the war and carefully consider the timing of its involvement.
