Seoul: Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back informed lawmakers on Tuesday that he has not yet received an official request from the United States for support regarding operations around the Strait of Hormuz. This statement comes in the wake of a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports following the breakdown of peace talks between Washington and Tehran over the weekend.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn addressed a parliamentary defense committee session, stating, "There has yet to be an official letter or request." He emphasized the importance of cooperation and consultations, noting that if a request is made, South Korea intends to participate as a member of the international community when necessary.
Ahn announced that South Korea plans to join a multilateral meeting led by Britain and France to discuss joint efforts aimed at restoring navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He highlighted the need for careful coordination of various methods, procedures, and external messages, considering South Korea's relations with both the United States and Iran.
During the session, Ahn also mentioned that the Cheonghae Unit, currently dispatched for operations in the Gulf of Aden, is not suitable for operations in the Strait of Hormuz due to its vulnerability to missile attacks. Separately, Ahn revealed that his ministry is set to begin relocating to its original headquarters in July, following the presidential office's move out of the defense ministry compound to Cheong Wa Dae late last year.