Reuters: South Korea prepares to deploy military forces to the Strait of Hormuz

South Korea is preparing to deploy military forces and assets to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to send them before the end of the year, according to Reuters, which cited South Korean reports quoting government and military sources. Reuters reported that the documents indicated the government is working on preparing the necessary procedures to obtain parliamentary approval for the move, including submitting the approval request this month after review by the Cabinet. The reports stated that the government is considering options that include sending a maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support ship, or a mine countermeasures unit, and that discussions are underway regarding the size and nature of the potential contribution with countries including the United States, Britain, and France. The South Korean presidential office said that Seoul is discussing practical ways to contribute to freedom of navigation in the strait, but dismissed reports claiming the government had finalized its decision to deploy military assets as “inconsistent with the facts.” U.S. President Donald Trump said in August that he had scaled back joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, attributing the decision to Seoul’s refusal to assist Washington in the war against Iran, along with several other reasons.