South Korea is reportedly preparing to deploy military assets to the Strait of Hormuz to help safeguard freedom of navigation, with the potential deployment targeted for before the end of the year, according to South Korean media citing government and military sources.
Several outlets reported Thursday that Seoul was preparing to seek parliamentary approval for the mission. As part of the process, the government is expected to submit a consent motion to parliament this month following a cabinet review.
Among the options under consideration are a maritime patrol aircraft, a logistics support vessel and a unit equipped to detect and clear mines, according to the reports. South Korea has also held discussions with the United States, Britain and France over the possible scope and nature of its contribution.
However, South Korea's presidential Blue House said, according to Reuters, discussions were still focused on practical ways to contribute to freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
It rejected reports that Seoul had already decided to deploy military assets, saying such reports were "different from the facts".
The reports come after US President Donald Trump announced on social media last month that he had reduced the scale of joint military exercises with South Korea.
Trump cited his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as one reason for the decision. He also said South Korea's refusal to assist the United States in its war against Iran had played a role in scaling back the exercises.
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