Seoul: The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) has attended a multinational military meeting to discuss the safety of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a JCS official said Friday, as Iran has effectively blocked the key oil trade route amid a prolonged Middle East conflict.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the French defense ministry announced that around 35 countries participated in the teleconference, which was led by Armed Forces Chief Fabien Mandon. The discussions were defensive in nature, although the ministry did not specify the participating nations.
The JCS confirmed the attendance of Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung and emphasized a cautious approach to future developments. The meeting focused on the importance of safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz for the security and economy of the involved countries, as stated by a JCS official.
The defense ministry and the JCS plan to maintain communication for coordinated efforts while closely monitoring the international community's activities concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Although the meeting involved basic discussions on the matter, no specific decisions regarding military support were reached, according to the involved official. The military intends to continue consultations with relevant ministries in a considered manner.