Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun sidestepped questions Tuesday on whether the United States had formally asked South Korea to deploy warships to the Middle East as Seoul faces pressure after U.S. President Donald Trump urged allies to send naval vessels to protect the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho gave vague answers during a parliamentary session when asked by lawmakers if the government had received any formal or informal request from Washington about sending troops to the region to aid U.S. military actions against Iran. Cho remarked, "It may or may not be considered a request," and added, "As for whether there have been discussions with the U.S. about troop deployment itself, it is difficult for me to comment at this time."
Trump renewed his call Monday (U.S. time) for South Korea, Japan, and other allies and partners whose "economies depend on" the vital waterway to join U.S. efforts to keep the shipping route open, saying the U.S. has long provided security protection to those countries. Trump's remarks were seen as reinforcing pressure on allies and partners to help his country secure the strait. Trump said he wants to see how countries "react" to the U.S. request.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio apparently echoed the call during his phone talks with Cho late Monday, highlighting the importance of cooperation to ensure security in the strait and stabilize the global economy and international oil prices, the foreign ministry said earlier.
Cho emphasized his position to maintain a degree of ambiguity externally while acting in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws internally, prioritizing the national interest and the safety of the people. He mentioned the possibility of meeting with Rubio for further discussions in Paris next week, where he has been invited to attend the Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting.
Lawmakers from rival parties voiced concern that Seoul could be pressured to join the war against Iran, risking its economy heavily dependent on oil imports from the region. They stated that any potential U.S. request to deploy troops or naval vessels should require parliamentary approval under the Constitution.
Rep. Kim Sang-wook of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) highlighted the constitutional requirement to maintain international peace and renounce aggressive wars, suggesting that dispatching troops without careful consideration could violate the Constitution. DP Rep. Yoon Hu-duk also warned that responding to a missile or drone attack while escorting vessels would effectively constitute participation in the war, necessitating public consent and ratification by the National Assembly.
Hong Ihk-pyo, the senior presidential secretary for political affairs, stated on local broadcaster SBS that the government will respond cautiously to Trump's request. He stressed the importance of carefully deliberating the issue of sending combat troops in connection with the situation in the Middle East, emphasizing that while the close security alliance remains a pillar of South Korea-U.S. relations, it requires mutual respect and consideration from both sides.