Seoul Weighs Military Options for Strait of Hormuz, No Final Call Yet

South Korea's presidential office has confirmed that the government is reviewing a range of options, including military measures, to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. However, officials were quick to dismiss media reports suggesting a deployment decision had already been reached.

Local outlets had reported that Seoul was preparing to send assets before year-end, potentially seeking parliamentary approval this month. The options reportedly under consideration include a maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support vessel, or a mine detection and clearance unit. Discussions with the United States, Britain, and France on the scale of any contribution were also said to be underway.

A presidential official told reporters that while military measures are among the options being studied, "nothing has been decided." The official stressed that domestic legal procedures, military readiness on the Korean Peninsula, and parliamentary approval would all factor into any final decision. The official also pushed back against claims that South Korea has offered no assistance related to the strait, noting that practical contributions have been discussed with the international community for some time.

The issue could come up when President Lee Jae Myung meets French President Emmanuel Macron next week. The review comes amid heightened attention on the waterway, which is critical for South Korea's energy security. Last year, the country sourced 61% of its crude oil and 54% of its naphtha imports through the strait.

Analysts suggest a deployment could serve as a strategic signal to Washington. Ban Kil-joo, a professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, said such a move would help Seoul manage alliance risks and reinforce its credentials as a reliable U.S. partner at a time when Washington is pressing allies to contribute more. He described the reported options as a "medium-intensity" contribution, one that shows support without involving direct combat operations against Iran.

Retired Lieutenant General Chun In-bum echoed that view, arguing that contributing to the security of the strait aligns with South Korea's national interests given its economic reliance on the waterway. He added that the country's "asymmetric" relationship with the United States makes a proactive response preferable.

Any overseas deployment would require approval from the National Assembly under South Korean law. Public opinion, however, may pose a hurdle. A Gallup Korea poll from March found 55% of respondents opposed sending warships to the strait, with only 30% in favor.

If approved, the mission would mark South Korea's first maritime deployment outside the peninsula since the Cheonghae anti-piracy unit was dispatched to the Gulf of Aden in 2009. That unit remains active off the coast of Somalia, protecting commercial shipping as part of international maritime security efforts.