Seoul: A U.S. official announced that the Strait of Hormuz remains "completely open and controlled" by the United States Navy, as South Korea evaluates the possibility of deploying military resources to bolster security in the region.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Seoul is considering sending military assets to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic passage is essential for the transportation of oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and other commodities. The deliberations come amid heightened pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for allied support in the region.
The U.S. official stated, "The Strait is completely open and controlled by the United States Navy. Thanks to the historically successful blockade, nothing gets through to Iran, but the Strait is open for everyone else." The official highlighted the daily transit of millions of barrels of oil and noted that the clearance of mines by the U.S. Navy has enabled the continued increase of traffic to non-Iranian ports.
The remarks were in response to inquiries regarding any discussions between Seoul and Washington on the matter, and whether the Trump administration had made specific requests for South Korean assistance.
On Tuesday, Seoul's defense ministry announced the dispatch of an on-site investigation team to the Strait of Hormuz to assess the situation. The ministry emphasized that this dispatch should not be interpreted as a decision to deploy military forces.