South Korea weighs military deployment to Strait of Hormuz
South Korea is reportedly considering sending military assets to the Strait of Hormuz to support freedom of navigation, though Seoul says no final decision has been made. The move comes as Iran continues striking US targets in the Gulf.
South Korean media reported Thursday that the government is considering deploying military assets to the Strait of Hormuz to help safeguard freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway. Officials in Seoul, however, stressed that no final decision on such a deployment has been made.
The report comes amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf. Iran has carried out strikes on American military targets in the region in response to an attack that killed four people at a wedding on Tuesday night. Iran's army said it targeted US bases in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, defying threats of further retaliation from US President Donald Trump.
Conflict enters sixth month
US Vice President JD Vance said he would not describe the ongoing confrontation with Tehran as a "war," even though clashes have continued for six months since the conflict began.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed confidence that Iran's Islamic republic could soon collapse, describing it as "weaker than ever."
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes, and any military tension there raises international concern over maritime safety and the stability of energy supplies.
