By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, June 15 (Yonhap) — South Korea will consider “concrete” ways to help stabilize the Strait of Hormuz based on its military readiness and other factors, the defense ministry said Monday, after the United States and Iran announced a deal to end the war.
The U.S.-Iran peace deal, to be signed later this week, raises the prospects of South Korea and other countries taking practical steps to help restore stability in vital shipping lanes, which have been largely shut since the war broke out in late February.
“We will consider concrete ways to contribute as we take into account the local threat environment, (potential) force deployment and operational capabilities,” ministry spokesperson Chung Binna said in a press briefing.
“No decisions have been made on whether to deploy military assets or on the types of assets that could be deployed,” she said.
Seoul’s response could be seen as signaling a proactive stance on the review of its potential role regarding the region, on which the country heavily depends for oil and gas supplies, as the war appears to be nearing an end.
This Reuters photo shows vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, on June 14, 2026. (Yonhap)
The defense ministry said earlier it considers a four-phase plan for its role to help stabilize the strait, starting with joining international initiatives and participating in information sharing before dispatching personnel. The deployment of military assets would come in the final stage.
Asked about the possibility of redeploying the anti-piracy Cheonghae unit from the Gulf of Aden, off the Somali coast, to the Strait of Hormuz, Chung reiterated that any change of a military mission would require parliamentary approval.
Chung struck a cautious note on whether the government is considering sending minesweepers to the region.
“Any decision on deploying military assets and the types of assets will be made after a comprehensive assessment, and I ask you to take the matter in a cautious manner,” she added.
Asked whether the U.S. has renewed its request for South Korea to join its Maritime Freedom Construct initiative aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Chung said Seoul had not received any additional request.
Chung recalled South Korea has participated in multilateral diplomatic and military discussions, led by Britain and France, to explore ways to contribute once the war ends.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)
