Asked by Trump to Join Hormuz Strait Operation, South Korea Mulls It Over
The South Korean government has stated that it will “consider its position” regarding joining the United States’ operation in the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after US President Donald Trump urged Seoul to participate, following an Iranian attack that appeared to target one of South Korea’s ships.
An explosion and fire were reported on a South Korean cargo ship on Monday (4 May) in that major waterway, which has been blockaded since the Middle East war erupted on 28 February.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday (5 May) that all 24 crew members of the attacked HMM Namu – including six South Korean nationals – were unharmed.
Trump said the incident should prompt South Korea to join America’s efforts to guide ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a main route for fuel exports that Seoul relies on.
On Tuesday (5 May), South Korea’s Defence Ministry said it would “carefully consider our position” but made no commitment to any changes.
Seoul will base its stance on international law, the safety of international maritime routes, its alliance with the United States, and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula, the ministry stated.
It added that it has “actively participated in international discussions on cooperation to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz”.
The HMM Namu is a nearly 180-metre (590-foot) cargo ship sailing under the Panamanian flag, according to data from the MarineTraffic tracking site.
South Korean officials said the fire on the ship has been “completely extinguished”.
Previously, Trump said Iran had “fired several shots” but caused only minor damage in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (4 May). He urged South Korea to join the operation in the strait after one of its ships was hit.
“Iran has fired several shots at unrelated countries in connection with the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship. Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join this mission!” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.
“Besides the South Korean ship, there has been no damage in the strait at this time,” Trump added.