South Korea stated on Tuesday that it will conduct a "review of its position" regarding joining U.S. operations in the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Seoul to do so following an attack on one of its ships in the vicinity of the strait.
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An explosion and fire were reported Monday aboard a South Korean cargo ship in the maritime corridor, which has been effectively closed since the outbreak of war in the Middle East on February 28.
However, the South Korean Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that all 24 crew members aboard the damaged vessel, "HMM Namu"—including six South Koreans—were unharmed.
Commenting on the incident, Trump asserted that the event should prompt Seoul to join U.S. efforts aimed at escorting stranded ships through the strait.
In response, the South Korean Ministry of Defense stated Tuesday that it would "carefully review our position," without committing to any changes at this time. The ministry added that Seoul will determine its stance based on international law, the safety of international maritime lanes, its alliance with the United States, and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.
AFP
