Seoul: The suspension of "Project Freedom," a U.S. initiative aimed at escorting ships through the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz, has eliminated the need for Seoul to review its potential participation, according to National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. This announcement was made in a meeting with reporters following U.S. President Donald Trump's declaration that the project would be paused temporarily, just days after its commencement.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Wi Sung-lac stated, "Because the operation has been halted, (a review of whether to participate) has become not necessarily needed," indicating that Seoul had initially planned to assess its involvement. The decision to pause Project Freedom comes after an incident involving a South Korean-operated ship, which suffered a blast and fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident involved the vessel Namu, managed by South Korean shipping giant HMM Co., which reported the blast and fire on Monday while anchored off the United Arab Emirates. Although the possibility of an attack was initially considered, Wi clarified that no evidence has been found to support this theory. Cheong Wa Dae had earlier taken the potential of an attack into account but has since found no supporting evidence to substantiate such claims.