South Korea, Iran Discuss Strait of Hormuz Security
GeopoliticsCommodity
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a phone call today (Sept. 11) with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss the situation in the Middle East, particularly the issue of free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea's Foreign Ministry said Iran requested the talks, and both sides agreed to stay in contact and continue discussions. Cho expressed deep concern over the regional situation and hoped it would ease and lead to lasting peace and stability, stressing that South Korea has always supported free and safe navigation for all vessels. The talks came after South Korea sent a delegation to the Middle East to assess the situation and consider the possibility of deploying troops to join a mission in the region. Meanwhile, South Korea's presidential office said the government is weighing various options, including military measures, to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but has not yet decided on any troop deployment. Iran's Foreign Ministry warned earlier this week via the X platform that if South Korea sends troops or joins operations in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz area, it would be seen as supporting U.S. aggression and could lead to serious consequences. The situation follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement in August that he would scale back joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, while criticizing South Korea for not joining U.S. efforts during the war with Iran and citing the high cost of the drills.
