South Korea weighs Hormuz role, says no decision

South Korea is considering possible contributions to US security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially including a military deployment, but the president's office said Friday that no decision had been made.

A South Korean presidential official said any contribution could be handled within limits that do not compromise the country's military readiness. The president's office later said references to possible combat, non-combat and search roles were only general descriptions of options, not a decision on what South Korea would do.

Local broadcaster JTBC reported a day earlier that the government was leaning toward sending troops to the strait and was reviewing details before seeking parliamentary approval.

Broadcaster SBS reported that the defence ministry was considering deploying a maritime patrol aircraft, a naval logistics support ship and an explosive ordnance disposal team. SBS said, citing a senior military official, that the aircraft would monitor submarines and surface vessels belonging to potential threats. It reported that the explosive ordnance disposal team would be expected to conduct joint operations with foreign naval forces if deployed.

US President Donald Trump has pressed South Korea for help with security in the Strait of Hormuz. In a Fox News interview late last month, he said Washington had received “very little help” from other countries and singled out South Korea as an example.