South Korea Considers Joining US Operations in Strait of Hormuz Following Attack on Its Vessel
Seoul will review its position on joining US efforts to guide ships through the strait after an apparent Iranian attack on a South Korean cargo vessel.
SEOUL: South Korea said Tuesday it will 'review its position' on joining US operations in the Strait of Hormuz following President Donald Trump's urging for Seoul to participate after an alleged Iranian attack on one of its ships.
An explosion and fire were reported on Monday in the key waterway, which has been effectively blocked since the Middle East conflict erupted on February 28.
South Korea’s foreign ministry stated that all 24 crew members aboard the stricken HMM Namu, including six South Korean nationals, remained unharmed.
Trump suggested that this incident should prompt South Korea to join American efforts to guide stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a major artery for fuel exports that Seoul relies on.
On Tuesday, South Korea’s defense ministry announced it would 'carefully review' its position but did not commit to any change.
The decision will be based on international law, the safety of international maritime routes, its alliance with the United States, and the security situation on the Korean peninsula, as per the Ministry.
South Korea has been 'actively participating in international discussions on cooperation to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.' The HMM Namu is a cargo ship measuring almost 180 meters (590 feet) and sailing under the flag of Panama, according to data from tracking site MarineTraffic.
South Korean officials confirmed that the fire on the vessel had been completely extinguished.
An explosion and fire were reported on Monday in the key waterway, which has been effectively blocked since the Middle East conflict erupted on February 28.
South Korea’s foreign ministry stated that all 24 crew members aboard the stricken HMM Namu, including six South Korean nationals, remained unharmed.
Trump suggested that this incident should prompt South Korea to join American efforts to guide stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a major artery for fuel exports that Seoul relies on.
On Tuesday, South Korea’s defense ministry announced it would 'carefully review' its position but did not commit to any change.
The decision will be based on international law, the safety of international maritime routes, its alliance with the United States, and the security situation on the Korean peninsula, as per the Ministry.
South Korea has been 'actively participating in international discussions on cooperation to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.' The HMM Namu is a cargo ship measuring almost 180 meters (590 feet) and sailing under the flag of Panama, according to data from tracking site MarineTraffic.
South Korean officials confirmed that the fire on the vessel had been completely extinguished.
