South Korea says no decision reached on deploying forces to Hormuz

South Korea has not reached a final decision but “a review is still under way” on any deployment of forces to the Strait of Hormuz, a presidential official clarified on Friday.

"South Korea may be able to make military contributions to global efforts to ensure free navigation through the strait, to the extent that such contributions do not compromise its defense readiness, if it decides to do so," a presidential official told Seoul-based Yonhap news agency.

Earlier, an unnamed Defense Ministry official told SBS broadcaster that Seoul was making "concrete preparations" to dispatch naval forces to the strait.

SBS claimed preparations for the deployment include P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, an explosive ordnance disposal team and a logistics support ship.

The South Korean government previously said it would pursue a deployment to the strait only after the US-Iran war ends.

This came after US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Seoul for refusing to take part in action against Iran, as the US recently scaled back a military exercise with South Korea.

"We are thinking that we may be able to make contributions within the scope that does not compromise our readiness posture," the presidential official said on condition of anonymity.

Any deployment requires a decision by the National Security Council, a resolution at a Cabinet meeting and consent from the National Assembly.

The ongoing discussion "has not reached the stage of seeking parliamentary approval and no final decision has been made," the official added.

A high-ranking South Korean military official told SBS: “I understand that discussions regarding base ports and operational bases are also underway with the relevant countries.”

South Korea is a defense treaty ally of the US, hosting more than 28,500 American troops and other military assets on the Korean Peninsula.